Fallacies: Fallacy and Clear Example

Logical Fallacies Response
1. Hasty Generalization: My father smoked four packs of cigarettes a day since age fourteen, and lived until age sixty-nine. Therefore, smoking really can’t be that bad for you.
Explanation: This is a clear example of a hasty generalization. The writer concludes that smoking is universally not bad just because his or her father is still alive although he smokes a lot. The health risk of smoking cannot be claimed based on the case study of one person. It is very unreasonable to jump to conclusion without sufficient evidence.

2. False analogy: Tofu is like meat: both have the essential protein for building muscle mass.
Explanation: This is a clear example of a false analogy, as two types of food are not similar in relevant ways. Tofu is a food made by soy milk which comes from plants, whereas meat is animal flesh that is eaten as food. Obviously, tofu and meat are not the same.

3. Post hoc: Roosters crow just before the sun rises. Therefore, roosters crowing causes the sun to rise.
Explanation: This is a clear example of Post hoc, as the writer assumes that sunrise is caused by roosters crowing without investigating other possible causes. So, concluding the sun rises due to roosters crowing only is not reasonable.
4. Either or: Either you support the President in everything he says and does or you are not a patriotic American.
Explanation: This example is a clear example of either…or fallacy, as it is unfair to argue there are only two choices: supporting or not supporting. There are many other possible options which work in this case.

5. Non sequitur: People who are good at math are undoubtedly good at physics.
Explanation: This is a clear example of non sequitur, as being good at physics requires many skills and effective study methods. The writer needs to state and support how people who are good at math can successfully study physics.

6. Ad hominem: The Senator's past voting record of flip-flopping on the war makes him untrustworthy, so his evidence in this corruption hearing should be dismissed.
Explanation: This is a clear example of ad hominem, as the whole sentence apparently expresses personal attack. That claim might be made due to the differences between the writer’s view and Senator’s.
7. Bandwagon appeal: 7 in 10 doctors say acupuncture works, therefore it must work.
Explanation: This is a clear example of bandwagon appeal, as it shows that acupuncture works because 7 in 10 doctor promote it. Relevant evidence, testable proof, etc. need to be showed specifically in order to prove acupuncture really works.

8. Straw man:
Opposing argument: Teens should be taught about contraception methods so they can practice safe sex should they choose to have intercourse.
Straw man argument: Proponents of sex education want to give kids license to have sex with no consequences.
Explanation: This is a clear example of straw man, as it ignores the factors that make the issue of sex education complicated and narrows the view of opposing side.