Feb 09, 2016
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.