Logical Fallacies

Logical fallacies can be the sign of an unskilled arguer; however, they can be used

for effect in writing. For example, they are often

used in Satire to establish doubt in the narrator’s

arguments.

Types of Fallacies:1. False dilemma:

Alludes to there being only 2 choices, when there are in fact more. Ex: You can either vote for me, or let

this town fall into a piteous ruin.

2. Slippery slope: A series of unrelated and

unacceptable consequences is drawn. Ex: if you don’t do your

homework, you won’t get good grades; you won’t get into college, and you

won’t ever get a job.

3. Hasty generalization: Results when a conclusion

is reached from too few examples. Stereotypes

fall under this type. Ex: I don’t need to study because Zia never

studies, and he makes good grades.

4. Two wrongs make a right: this is another

manner of diverting the issue. When confronted

with a “wrong” the speaker mentions another wrong on the part of the accuser, or themselves.

5. Post hoc/ Doubtful Cause: implies because

one thing happened after another that the two things are related.

Example: A plane goes down after Sept. 11, so it

must be an act of terrorism.

Homer: Not a bear in sight. The "Bear Patrol" is working like a charm! Lisa: That's specious reasoning, Dad. Homer: [uncomprehendingly] Thanks, honey. Lisa: By your logic, I could claim that this rock keeps tigers away. Homer: Hmm. How does it work? Lisa: It doesn't work; it's just a stupid rock! Homer: Uh-huh. Lisa: But I don't see any tigers around, do you? Homer: (pause) Lisa, I want to buy your rock.

6. Non-sequitur: Similar to post hoc doubtful

cause. The difference is that something has not happened yet. Usually

worded: If ____ then ______. Ex: if we get rid of all hats then there will be no gang fights on campus.

If one in every five people is Chinese andthere are five people in my family then one must be Chinese.There's me, my mom and my dad, my brother Colin, and my brother Ho-Cha-Chu. I think it's Colin. “Deep Thoughts” by Jack Handey

“If one of our nuclear nay-sayers came across an

elephant romping through the woods next to our plant, then

he'd probably blame his ridiculous nose on the nuclear

bogey man.”     -"Mr. Burns" from The

Simpsons comparing a mutated third eye of

a radioactive fish to the evolved nose of an elephant.

7. Straw man: the person arguing attacks a view

that is similar but not the same. Can also be used to divert attention away

from the original argument.

For Example: Yes we all want to help feed the

poor, but wouldn’t it be better to provide them

with college educations so that they can feed

themselves?

8. Begging the Question: the arguer makes the assumption

that there is no need to argue the question at

hand because it is already proven. Example: Women should not participate in

sports because their bodies are too weak.

9. Ad populum: this tactic appeals to the

prejudices of a crowd. Patriotism and the desire to belong are often cited. Example: If you are a true American you will place a

flag on your car.

10. Appeal to Tradition: the arguer says because something has always been done, it should continue that way.

Example: Texas A&M has always had bonfire, so it

should continue.

11. Faulty emotions appeal: appeal to pity, compassion. Example:

Look at these poor starving kids. For the

price of a cup of coffee, Jeannie here could finally

get that operation to restore her sight.

12. Ad hominym: attacks the person rather than his/ her argument. Example: “How can you discuss prison reform

when you are a reputed wife beater?”

13. Faulty use of authority: arguer cites an

authority who is not actually an expert in that field. Example: Rock star

Eddie Vedder says, “sending troops to

Afghanistan is a bad idea.”

14. False analogy: uses an incorrect comparison.

(apples and oranges) Example: Mr. Smith was abused as a child, and so was Hitler; therefore, Mr.

Smith will be a psychopath.

15.Guilt by Association: implies

that just because someone hangs out

with someone else or is related to someone

else that they are alike.

Try these: 1. Mrs. Anderson says

Pavement is the best band of the 90s.

2. It is true I haven’t paid my taxes in three years, but I

needed the money to pay off my credit cards.