Question

in the following argument, identify the premise and conclusion, explain why the argument is deceptive, and, if possible, identify the type of fallacy it represents. prison overcrowding is a crisis that we must alleviate through increased use of capital punishment. the premise is prison overcrowding is a crisis. the conclusion is capital punishment must be used to reduce the overcrowding. why is the argument deceptive? choose the correct answer below. a. the argument is based on a distortion of information. b. the argument attempts to evoke an emotional response instead of using evidence to support the conclusion. c. the premise and the conclusion essentially say the same thing. d. the argument artificially precludes choices that ought to be considered. this is an example of

Explanation:

The premise is "prison overcrowding is a crisis" and the conclusion is "capital punishment must be used to reduce the overcrowding". The argument is deceptive because it artificially precludes other choices (like building more prisons, reforming sentencing laws) that could also address prison overcrowding. This is a false - dilemma fallacy (also known as an either - or fallacy) which presents only two options when there are actually more.

Answer:

The premise is "prison overcrowding is a crisis". The conclusion is "capital punishment must be used to reduce the overcrowding". The argument is deceptive because it artificially precludes choices that ought to be considered (Option D). This is an example of a false - dilemma fallacy.