It is widely believed that chocolate causes acne, since people susceptible to acne frequently assert that eating chocolate is invariably followed by an outbreak of the skin condition. However, Donald G. Bruns, in a letter to Science News, wondered whether those who have the belief that chocolate causes acne might not have things backwards. Some studies indicate that hormonal changes associated with stress may cause acne, he notes. Other studies indicate that people fond of chocolate may tend to eat more chocolate when under stress. Given these studies, Bruns comments, it may be easy to confuse which, the chocolate or the acne, is the cause-and which is the effect.In a brief essay, explain what pattern of reasoning seems to underlie the belief that chocolate causes acne (probably the

paired unusual events principle-the relevant difference between this situation, where there were an outbreak of acne, and situations in which there was none is that in this situation the person ate chocolate), and then answer this question: Bruns complains that those who believe that chocolate causes acne may be guilty of the fallacy of reversed causation. Given the studies he cites, has Bruns correctly identified the mistake?

What will be an ideal response?


No. The mistake is ignoring an underlying third cause.

Philosophy & Belief

You might also like to view...

Throughout this test, write your answer on the form provided. Erasure marks may cause the grading machine to mark your answer wrong. INSTRUCTIONS: The following selections relate to distinguishing arguments from nonarguments and identifying conclusions. Select the best answer for each. Aristotle focused on clarifying the concept of virtue itself. He argued that it was virtuous to choose the

proper amount of emotion and/or action called for in a particular situation and that extremes of emotion and action were vices. In all communities there are some men of practical wisdom who have the capacity to judge wisely. Aristotle argued that they have the capacity to follow the "right rule" whatever the situation. David Cooper, Value Pluralism and Ethical Choice A) Argument; conclusion: In all communities ... capacity to judge wisely. B) Argument; conclusion: Aristotle focused on clarifying the concept of virtue itself. C) Argument; conclusion: They have the capacity to follow ... the situation. D) Argument; conclusion: He argued that it was virtuous ... were vices E) Nonargument.

Philosophy & Belief

The Protestant reform in its Lutheran and Calvinist branches, is called the ________ Reformation.

a. Orthodox b. Ecumenical c. Magisterial d. Mainstream

Philosophy & Belief

Many major employers routinely monitor the performance of their employees through the computers and telephones

they use. The one check that they can do is

a. check the number of keystrokes that word processors enter during the day. b. eavesdropping on e-mail. c. eavesdropping on fax transmissions. d. eavesdropping on cell phone conversations

Philosophy & Belief

Which Persian emperor, wary of a potential revolt, removes Zerubbabel from power?

A. Artaxerxes B. Darius C. Xerxes D. Cyrus the Great

Philosophy & Belief