Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies: What are they?

Types of reasoning that, although they may look solid on the surface, are actually flawed

However, some authors do employ fallacies on purpose. For example, an author who is passionate about bringing climate change awareness may exaggerate the effects of climate change. This could be seen as a scare tactic and could call an author’s credibility into question

Employing fallacies can undermine the quality of your argument

• Think of Nike and Wheaties for its use of celebrity athletes

Oftentimes, you see logical fallacies employed in advertisements for companies

In essence, logical fallacies are mistakes in reasoning

They make you a more astute reader of other arguments

They help you respond to weaknesses in arguments you don’t agree with

Why is the recognition of fallacies important?

They help pinpoint weaknesses you don’t agree with

They help you evaluate the quality of sources

They help you avoid faulty logic in your own arguments

Red Herring

A distraction or side argument that draws attention away from the central issue

• How is talking about vaccinations going to help us find a cure for cancer?

• There are starving children in Africa. Eat your carrots.

Argument from Ignorance

An Argument that a claim is true because it has never been proven false, or false because it have never been proven true

• Nobody has ever proven that global warming is occurring. Therefore, global warming is a myth.

• Since the students have no questions concerning the topics discussed in class, the students are ready for a test.

Appeal to Pity

An argument based on emotion, not reason

• I know we don't love each other. But, if we don't get married it will crush my mother. You know she has a weak heart. Do you really want to do that to her?

• We shouldn't sell the Ridgeway division. It's been part of the company for over 40 years.

False Authority

An argument that a claim is valid because the person making the claim is an authority

• According to world-renowned climatologist Dr. William Smith, global warming is definitely a fact.

• Princess Kate wears Alexander McQueen. Are you trying to say you have better fashion sense than a royal princess?

Band Wagon

A call to jump on board because everyone else has. Proposition is claimed to be true or good solely because many people believe it to be so.

• Everyone on campus is wearing Air Jordans. I need to buy those sneakers.

• All my friends are doing a low carb diet. That must be the only way to lose weight.

Slippery Slope

An assertion that one small event will set off a barrage of others

• If medical marijuana becomes more readily available, recreational smoking will increase, illegal sales of harder drugs will rise exponentially, and crime rates will soar.

• If we allow our 14 year-old to have her first date tonight, what's next? A wedding, kids?

False Dilemma/False Dichotomy

An approach to an issue that suggests that there are only two choices

• In Latin America, only two countries offer travel and tourism options: Mexico and Guatemala.

• Katie is one of 16,400 students on her college campus. The only boys worth dating are Dave and Steve.

Questionable Causality

An assertion that because a certain event occurred after another it happened because of the other

• Roosters crow before sunrise. Therefore, roosters cause the sun to rise.

• Clearly the driver of the red car is at fault; witnesses saw him arguing with his girlfriend directly preceding the collision.

Ad Hominem

A criticism of persons associated with a position as opposed to tenets of the position itself

• That face cream can't be good. Kim Kardashian is selling it.

• Don't listen to Dave's argument on gun control. He's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier.

Hasty

Generalization

Sweeping

Generalization

A conclusion drawn from insufficient information.

• Airedale Terriers are excellent pets. My friend has one and the dog loves playing with her little sister.

A very broad application is applied to a single premise

• Divorce is rampant in America. We only stand a 50% chance of survival. Therefore, we can't get married.

Circular Logic/

Begging the Question

Occurs when the conclusion of an argument is assumed in the phrasing of the question itself.

• If aliens didn't steal my newspaper, who did?

• I have a right to free speech so I can say what I want and you shouldn't try to stop me.

Ad Hominem, Questionable Causality, and Appeal from Authority

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Avoiding the Issue

When an arguer responds to an argument by not addressing the points of the argument

• Daryl: Answer honestly, do you think if we were born and raised in Iran, by Iranian parents, we would still be Christian, or would we be Muslim?

• Ross: I think those of us raised in a place where Christianity is taught are fortunate.

• Daryl: I agree, but do you think if we were born and raised in Iran, by Iranian parents, we would still be Christian, or would we be Muslim?

• Ross: Your faith is weak -- you need to pray to God to make it stronger.

• Daryl: I guess you’re right. What was I thinking?

Straw Man Argument

having the impression of refuting an argument, meanwhile the proper idea of argument under discussion was not addressed, properly refuted, or is distorted. Often, the distorted interpretation is only remotely related to the original claim. The opposing argument may focus on just one aspect of the claim, take it out of context, or exaggerate it.

• After Will said that we should put more money into health and education, Warren responded by saying that he was surprised that Will hates our country so much that he wants to leave it defenseless by cutting military spending.