Identifying Fallacies

FYE 101Also see pp. 175-177 in the St. Martin’s

Handbook

Person A makes claim X. Person B makes an attack on person A. Therefore A's claim is false.

For example:Although Ms. Bell’s book on Joe DiMaggio

was well researched, I doubt that an Australian historian can contribute much to our knowledge of an American baseball player.

Person A makes claim X. Person B asserts that A's actions or past claims are inconsistent with the truth of claim X. Therefore X is false.

Example:◦ Sunera: I think there should be a way for illegal

immigrants to obtain citizenship.◦ Barbara: But you just said the opposite last

month, so you must be wrong now.

Person A is (claimed to be) an authority on subject S. Person A makes claim C about subject S. Therefore, C is true.

Example:◦ Obama is a Muslim who was born somewhere in

Africa who wants to turn America into a Nazi-like state. [This author is a citizen of Shreveport]

Most people believe that a claim, X, is true. Therefore X is true.

Example:◦ Most people believe the United States is a

Christian Nation.◦ Therefore, the United States is a Christian Nation.

X is a common action. Therefore X is correct/moral/justified/reasonable, etc.

Example:◦ Most men view women as sex objects so there

must not be anything wrong with it; I guess guys are just wired that way.

Favorable emotions are associated with X. Therefore, X is true.

Example:◦ Heaven is a beautiful place where one is reunited

with departed love ones and lives an eternity of happiness. Therefore, heaven exists.

Y is presented (a claim that is intended to produce fear). Therefore claim X is true (a claim that is generally, but need not be, related to Y in some manner).

Example:◦ Do not “double dip” your chip in the salsa. You

could contract AIDS that way. [An actual statement from a former staff member of Student Life at Centenary]

Person A is flattered by person B. Person B makes claim X. Therefore X is true.

Example:◦ Sam: Dr. Otto, you are the best teacher I have

ever encountered. ◦ Dr. Otto. Thanks, Sam.◦ Sam: Just between us, I think Dr. Mackie does not

know anything in his discipline.◦ Dr. Otto. Probably so! [Disclaimer: Actually this

conversation never took place]

X is new. Therefore X is correct or better. Example:

◦ The Iphone 6 is the latest in technology.◦ Therefore the Iphone 6 is the best cell phone on

the market.◦ I must have an Iphone 6 now!

P is presented, with the intent to create pity. Therefore claim C is true.

Example:◦ Sunera: Thomas is the worst of the candidates

we have interviewed.◦ Laura: But Thomas was nervous because he has

been unemployed for several months and really needs the job to feed his family and feel like the head of the household again.

◦ Sunera: Well, on second thought, I guess Thomas would do ok in the position.

X, which is some form of ridicule is presented (typically directed at the claim). Therefore claim C is false.

Example:◦ Same-sex marriage? Not until the Bible is written

to say “Adam and Steve” rather than “Adam and Eve” Ha-Ha!

Claim X is presented with the intent of generating spite. Therefore claim C is false (or true)

Example:◦ Sunera: I think John’s idea about our final exam in

FYE is a good one.◦ Clyde: Oh, is this the same John who I heard

called you a *%$#@ biach at the KA house last weekend?

◦ Sunera: What??? Then John can take his idea and shove it!

X is old or traditional therefore X is correct or better. The “We have always done it that way” fallacy.

Example:◦ Shandra: What! No catfish in the cafeteria on

Friday? We have always had “Catfish Friday” at Centenary!

Person P is pressured by his/her peers or threatened with rejection. Therefore person P's claim X is false.

Example:◦ Sunera: I think that persons of all religious

convictions should be shown respect.◦ Jackson: Well, Sunera, I guess you are not a God-

fearing Christian like the rest of us. We sure will miss you here.

◦ Sunera: Ha-Ha! Only joking! I know they will all burn in Hell!! Yay!

Premises in which the truth of the conclusion is claimed or the truth of the conclusion is assumed (either directly or indirectly). Claim C (the conclusion) is true. Also known as a circular argument.

Example:◦ Sunera: How do you know God exists?◦ Evan: Because the Bible says so.◦ Sunera: But why should I believe the Bible?◦ Evan: Because God wrote it.

Claim X is presented by side A and the burden of proof actually rests on side B. Side B claims that X is false because there is no proof for X.

Example:◦ Sunera: I believe in reincarnation.◦ Tommy: But where is your proof?◦ Sunera: Tommy, nobody has yet to prove that

reincarnation does not occur!