...Fallacy Summaries with Examples Name: Institution: Fallacy Summaries with Examples Appeal to Authority The fallacy of appeal to authority also referred to as the Fallacious Appeal to Authority, irrelevant Authority or Ad Vercundiam takes the following form, the first person is claimed to be an authority on subject S and hence makes a claim C about subject S hence making C true. The fallacy is mostly committed when the individual in question is not a lawful authority on the subject. This implies that if an individual A does not merit making reliable claims on a subject B, the argument becomes fallacious. The reasoning becomes fallacious when the individual under focus is not necessarily an expert hence the given cases makes the reasoning flawed since there is no justification for the claim since an unauthorized person made the claim. In the event that a person falls prey to the fallacy, then it implies that the individual is accepting a claim as being true in the absence of adequate evidence to do so. Additionally, the individual accepting the claim does so erroneously on belief that the individual making the claim is an expert which implies that the claim is reasonable to accept. Example 1 An argument about the morality of abortion Individual A: I strongly believe in abortion as being morally acceptable simply because a woman aught to have a right over her own body. Individual B: I strongly disagree. Findings from numerous medical researches say that abortion is morally...
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...we identify Logical Fallacies? By: Tabitha Harris American InterContinental Online University July 16, 2013 Abstract This purpose of this paper is to identify and explain what literature experts call Logical Fallacies. This document will include reasonable vocabulary, logical definitions, and sound examples of how to and how not to include these fallacies into your writings. There will be some suggestions made to assist with recognizing and examining some of the logical fallacies located within the writings of others, as well as in your own. By the end of this paper, your thoughts will be enlightened, and your knowledge of logical fallacies stronger, whether you’re a reader, writer, or just someone looking to learn. How do we identify Logical Fallacies? Logical Fallacies are arguments or false statements that appear to be true, when in fact, they’re not. Logical fallacies can also be accurate and are used to pursue someone to accept a single thought or feeling. People use logical fallacies to prove a point and to support reasoning behind a thought. There are different types of fallacies that I will go over in this paper. Fallacies often dilute arguments and by learning to recognize them in your own writing helps boost your ability to identify them in others’ writings, as well. This document will point out and explain key fallacies to look for in your writings and literature in general. (Career Education Corporation [CEC], 2010) LOGICAL FALLACIES: * Mere...
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...What Are Logical Fallacies? Unknown AIU Online What Are Logical Fallacies? There are two different kinds of reasoning in philosophy. One uses the logical synthesis of two or more true statements, it is called deductive reasoning. The other generalizes by observing a number of specific examples, it is called inductive reasoning. (Carroll, 2000) Both deductive and inductive reasoning requires us to use sound logic to reach valid conclusions. Without the use of this logic errors can occur, which in philosophy are called logical fallacies. Mere Assertion The first logical fallacy I am going to define is mere assertion. This is an argument of opinion. There is no guarantee that what you say will be expected. But all opinions whether they are believed to be true or not must be supported by evidence. Here is an example of a mere assertion fallacy. My cats love me because they sleep on my bed. Also when I open their cat food they come running, so they must love me. Both of these statements are not supported by evidence. They are just statements of opinion that I believe to be truth. Circular Reasoning The second logical fallacy I am going to define is circular reasoning. This is an argument where your conclusion and premise are the same. It is an argument that asks you to simply accept the conclusion without real evidence. Also it can be an argument that simply ignores an important assumption. So to avoid this fallacy you cannot...
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...Logical Fallacies Defined Jamie Osborne American InterContinental University Abstract Fallacies can be viewed as a mistake or error. There are many different fallacies with different meanings for each. The following paper will discuss 9 logical fallacies. The paper will also include definitions for each of the 9 fallacies as well as examples of being applied to real life scenarios. Logical Fallacies defined Everyone has gotten into an argument with someone once or twice in their lifetime. Some people have mastered their skills in being argumentative while others are lacking in that department. The following will be a list of 9 different types of argument styles that could take place in one’s argument scenario. We have all been in an argument and more than likely used one or more of these in arguments that we have had in the past. The first logical fallacy to discuss will be Mere Assertion. By definition mere assertion means while arguing one’s point no matter what the opposing party may have to say their argument is right because that person believes it to be the truth. To further explain will an example P1- Mermaids are real and have inhabited the sea since the beginning of time. P2- Mermaids are in fact real and inhabit the sea because I believe they do. C- Mermaids are real and have inhabited the sea since the beginning of time because I believe they do. Therefore due to the fact that I believe that mermaids are real and that they inhabit the sea because...
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...Logical Fallacies Nicole Smith American Intercontinental University Online Abstract Logical fallacies are mistakes in philosophical reasoning. One must be able to determine when a fallacy is being used as an argument so they are prepared to argument against such fallacy. Logical Fallacies There are several logical fallacies to watch for when making a philosophical argument. A mere assertion is someone asserting a lie to make it seem as a truth. It usually lacks any facts that would support it being true. This type of fallacy does not have any logic behind it. As an example, if I said that my boss is stupid. I have no facts that supports that she is stupid and in fact since she is in a management position at the company she is more than likely not stupid. Circular reasoning is an argument that starts with what the person making the argument is try to end up with. For example, my daughter is my child because I am her mother and therefore she is my child. This argument is stating the argument at the beginning and at the end, which makes it a circular reasoning and also a logical argument. Ad hominem is making an argument specifically against an opponent, which makes the argument personal and attacking the person’s character instead of their argument. Also referred to as, an appeal to motive (Bennett, 2012). An example of this would be if two presidential candidates were having a debate and one of the candidates brought up that the other candidate may have used drugs...
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...Standards and Logical Fallacies in the essay, “Sweatshirts from Sweatshops” on pages 406-408 of your textbook. On pages 387-402 of your textbook, you will meet Tanya, Kevin, Elise and Dalton, Tanya encounters a series of discussions—the first with Kevin and the second with Elise and Dalton. The textbook describes how to critically assess the arguments in these discussions (Kevin and Elise and Dalton). Use these ONLY as examples for how to use critical thinking skills. In addition, you will want to review the Universal Intellectual Standards on pages 335-346 and the Logical Fallacies on pages 396-399 in the textbook. Individual Exercise 1: You are to assess the arguments made in the essay, “Sweatshirts from Sweatshops,” found on pages 406-408. Instructions: Read “Sweatshirts from Sweatshops” on pages 406-408 and complete the following: • Part 1 – Applying the Universal Intellectual Standards o Provide specific examples from the essay that violate one or more of the Universal Intellectual Standards on pp. 335-346 o Specify what is needed to correct the error. o Minimum of TWO errors must be correctly identified to earn a passing grade (35 points) on this part. To earn an excellent grade (50 points), you must correctly identify FOUR errors and specifically state what is needed to correct each. • Part 2 – Identifying Logical Fallacies o Provide specific examples from the essay that are considered logical fallacies from the list...
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...the many types of Logical Fallacies .American Intercontinental University PHIL 201- 1401B-02 Week 3 Individual Assignment Introduction: Logical Fallacy: A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning. In other words, it is a factual error or a failure to logically support the conclusion in an argument. An argument is a group of statements about a specific topic where a stand is taken applying premises needed to support their conclusion. A fallacy is a type of argument where the person uses bad arguments to support their conclusion but in order to be a fallacy it must be believed some of the time (Eemeren & Grootendorst, 1995). The different types of fallacies are mere assertion, circular reasoning, Ad hominem, red herring, pseudo-questions, false cause, sweeping generalizations, slippery slope, and equivocation or changing meanings. Mere Assertion: Arguments by mere assertion simply mean a person uses a strong statement instead of any real fact to argue a point. Just because an argument is stated emphatically does not mean that statement is in fact true. In mere assertion even if there are facts to the contrary or that contradict the argument it will continue o be supported. Arguments by mere assertion are also considered rhetoric. Rhetoric is supporting the argument despite the fact there is no evidence the argument is true. It is a form of persuasion or blind faith in the mere assertion. Circular Reasoning: Circular reasoning is a type of fallacy where the argument...
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...[Date] Identifying Logical Fallacies * Ad Hominem It is a Latin phrase which is described as an attack on the person rather than focusing on the argument. For example: You should not listen to Professor Miller’s arguments for faculty salary increase. The only reason he is arguing for a pay raise is because he himself will benefit from it (Van Vleet 15). In this example, it is clear that the speaker attacks Professor Miller personally rather than the actual argument for faculty salary increase, by blaming him that he is being selfish for increase in salary. In this sentence, cold-heart is ad hominem associated with scientists. * Slippery Slope Adverse consequences because of a change in policies, processes, actions or law, is usually known as slipper slope. For example: We have to stop the tuition increase! The next thing you know, they will be charging $ 40,000 a semester (Nizkor). In this example, as a consequence of agreement with increase in tuition fee presently, it is eminent that further increase would also occur in future. * Begging the Question Things that you can not prove but still you think of them as true. For example: The belief in God is universal. After all, everyone believes in God (Nizkor). In this sentence, the speaker first answers the question that is followed after the answer. * Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc This fallacy assumes that a second event is the resultant of the first event always. For example: The only policy that...
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...wrote a lot on why voting for her opponent is not a good choice. My argument is full of logical fallacies therefore it is not a good argument. One logical fallacy I used in my paper was “He talks about reducing taxes but how can we listen when we know he cheated on his wife with three different women”. This is a logical fallacy because I am distracting the readers from the main point. This would be considered a red herring. Another example of red herring in my paper is “Yes Karen Xue is a divorced woman, but really...
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...Standards and Logical Fallacies in the essay, “Sweatshirts from Sweatshops” on pages 406-408 of your textbook. On pages 387-402 of your textbook, you will meet Tanya, Kevin, Elise and Dalton, Tanya encounters a series of discussions—the first with Kevin and the second with Elise and Dalton. The textbook describes how to critically assess the arguments in these discussions (Kevin and Elise and Dalton). Use these ONLY as examples for how to use critical thinking skills. In addition, you will want to review the Universal Intellectual Standards on pages 335-346 and the Logical Fallacies on pages 396-399 in the textbook. Individual Exercise 1: You are to assess the arguments made in the essay, “Sweatshirts from Sweatshops,” found on pages 406-408. Instructions: Read “Sweatshirts from Sweatshops” on pages 406-408 and complete the following: • Part 1 – Applying the Universal Intellectual Standards o Provide specific examples from the essay that violate one or more of the Universal Intellectual Standards on pp. 335-346 o Specify what is needed to correct the error. o Minimum of TWO errors must be correctly identified to earn a passing grade (35 points) on this part. To earn an excellent grade (50 points), you must correctly identify FOUR errors and specifically state what is needed to correct each. • Part 2 – Identifying Logical Fallacies o Provide specific examples from the essay that are considered logical fallacies from the list...
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...consequent Example -If it's raining then the streets are wet. The streets are wet. Therefore, it's raining. If p then q. q. Therefore, p. Argument from ignorance this fallacy is committed if it is argued that since p has not been proved true, it must be false (or that since p has not been proved false, it must be true). Argument 1 The building blocks of arguments The purpose of an argument establishing, rather than simply stating a point Attacking the person this fallacy is committed if it is argued that p is false on the grounds that it is advanced by a particular person, for example because that person stands to gain from our acceptance of it as true or because that person’s behaviour is not consistent with the truth of p. CogencyCogency The characteristic of a cogent argument. A cogent argument is one such that if the premisses are true, then the conclusion is more likely to be true than false. Both valid and strong inductive arguments are cogent. Deductive argument an argument which attempts to prove certain conclusions based on what is contained in the premises alone, eg ‘All cats have tails. Felix is a cat therefore Felix has a tail.’ Denying the antecedent occurs when a premiss of an argument denies the truth of the antecedent of a conditional premiss, then concludes by denying the truth of the conditional premiss' consequent (see the Form). This form of argument is non-validating If p then q. p. Therefore, q False dilemma this fallacy is committed...
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...The list of 5 logical fallacies that are important to avoid in my work are listed below: 1. Red Herring: Red Herring is one of the logical fallacies that we see in some paper where there is uses of unrelated argument. So, I want to avoid the use of argument which is not related to my subject because uses of unrelated argument can distract my reader. Example: Before controlling the population, we must know how the animal suffers when there is global warming. Because, the argument that I provided in the example is not related to the subject. 2. False Analogy: False Analogy is another logical fallacy that I want to avoid in my work. It is the comparison between two subjects which are totally dissimilar to each other which...
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... Daniel Marcelle Bandwagon Jumper The bandwagon fallacy stands out to me and makes the most sense. I’ve always been a firm believer in understanding and comprehending the world around through your eyes and ears. In the video, comedian Jason Sudeikis illustrates that if one person is to yell out during a presidential speech it is misconduct but if everyone yells out at the same time then it is preserved in a different way. He also brings up a valid point during the skit. He says, “It’s like being in grade school again, if one person does it then they get in trouble but if everyone does it no one gets in trouble. This is a great example of what the bandwagon foundation is built on. There have been many sayings in life that can be chalked up to the bandwagon fallacy, such the countless headers of magazines or commercials that read or say, “7 in 10 doctors recommend…..” Another famous one that never shies away from the history books is, “the entire world used to believe the earth was flat,” not exactly backed by hard facts but still we see it as if it were. No matter what the capacity, just because a celebrity, or doctor or a great commercial endorses something, by no means does that make it any more or any less of difference. It basically boils down to how people perceive it, either way they are still part of the bandwagon fallacy. There are ways to avoid falling into the bandwagon fallacy; it just takes some logical thinking. Good ways to help you are by asking questions...
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...Fallacy Summary and Application Paper Introduction Logical Fallacies are methods in argumentations or persuasions that may look or sound good and truthful but do not stand up to critical analysis. These are errors of reasoning that may be recognized by prudent thinkers (Downes, 1995). Fallacies are more than just mistaken belief, it is a flaw in argument that may be intentionally created by a person who has an agenda or may be due to a simple error. On the other hand, Fischer (1970; p. 306) in contrast with fallacy explains logic as follows: “Logic is not everything. But it is something something which can be taught, something which can be learned, something which can help us in some degree to think more sensibly about the dangerous world in which we live.” Logical fallacies are commonly used in order to manipulate a situation or worse when an individual does not recognize the fallacies in the argument, he can be manipulated during the decision making process. As such it is necessary for every individual to use critical thinking particularly during the decision-making process for him or her to become aware of logical fallacies and how these relate to decision-making. Critical thinking as against logical fallacies is a process being used particularly in resolving a problem. It is a mental process of analyzing and evaluating information such as statements or propositions being offered as truth. This process involves reflection of the meaning of statements given, examinations...
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...EN1420: Module 3 Identifying, Organizing, and Analyzing Your Sources Exercise 3.1 Identify the Logical Fallacies Each statement below contains a logical fallacy. Identify the fallacy and briefly explain, in one or two sentences, why it is an error in reasoning. 1. Mabel is not qualified to lead the school board because she used to drink liquor in her 20s. 2. A child can be either an athlete or a good student. 3. Any change in health care will lead to socialism; we don’t want to live in a socialist country, so we can’t reform health care. 4. All teenagers text while they drive; therefore, we should raise the driving age to 21. 5. If we don’t all drive hybrid cars, the world will end in the next decade because of environmental damage. 6. Senator Range has been seen entering a strip club; therefore, his economic reforms are not plausible. 7. Everyone else is getting rid of TV, so we should too. 8. Because of the recent shootings in schools and theaters, we can conclude that these are inherently dangerous places that need more regulation. 9. If you want a successful child, you should enroll him or her in as many early learning classes as possible. 10. Music education is useless because it just teaches kids how to play music. Choose your answers from these eight fallacies. Note: Some of these will be used more than once. Begging the question Either-or Slippery slope Ad hominem Creating false needs Red herring ...
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