An Encyclopedia of Errors of Reasoning The ability to identify logical fallacies in the arguments of others‚ and to avoid them in one’s own arguments‚ is both valuable and increasingly rare. Fallacious reasoning keeps us from knowing the truth‚ and the inability to think critically makes us vulnerable to manipulation by those skilled in the art of rhetoric. What is a Logical Fallacy? A logical fallacy is‚ roughly speaking‚ an error of reasoning. When someone adopts a position‚ or tries to persuade
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explanation‚ you may come across a person who makes logical fallacies. Such discussions may prove futile. You might try asking for evidence and independent confirmation or provide other hypotheses that give a better or simpler explanation. If this fails‚ try to pinpoint the problem of your arguer’s position. You might spot the problem of logic that prevents further exploration and attempt to inform your arguer about his fallacy. The following briefly describes some of the most common fallacies: ad hominem:
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Types of Fallacy 1) Fallacy of Accident/ Fallacy of Sweeping Generalization - occurs when one reason with the generalization as if it has no exceptions. Examples: 1) Cutting people with a knife is a crime Surgeons cut people with knives Therefore‚ surgeons are criminals. 2) Birds can fly Penguins are birds Therefore‚ penguins can fly 3) Speeding up above 50 kph is a crime. Therefore‚ ambulance drivers are criminals. 2) Fallacy of Converse Accident - occurs when
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of logical fallacies. Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning. Once a person becomes familiar with them‚ they can identify logical fallacies in others’ arguments. A person can also avoid using logical fallacies or use them to their advantage to convince others of something differentiates the facts from the fallacies‚ this could help people make a better and more productive decision To define what a fallacy is one must understand what an argument is. An argument consists of one or more premises
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Logical Fallacies Fallacies of Relevance Ad Hominem Refers to a personal attack on an arguer’s reputation or character rather than the argument itself. Usually seen in political debates Example: Teddy Roosevelt’s attacks on William Howard Taft’s obesity. Attacking the Motive Refers to focusing on an attack against an arguer’s supposed motivation or bias rather than focusing on the argument itself. Usually points to how the arguer would benefit from his own argument. Example: Flower
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STUDENT HANDOUT LOGICAL FALLACIES Explanation of Logical Fallacies * What is logic? * Logic is reasoning that is conducted according to strict principles. * How is logic related to expository writing? * When you write an expository essay‚ you are using logic to provide the layers of proof for your statements. * You are proving your thesis when you construct your topic sentences. * e.g.‚ answering the “Why”‚ “How”‚ “What are they” questions about the
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and breadth. The author does not provide enough details to emphasis that the company employs primarily women and children. It could be possible that everyone has a different meaning to horrific conditions. In other countries it is a daily culture to see females and young children in work environments. Therefore‚ we must be opened minded about other cultures on their point of view in the labor industry. “According to a recent report by the WorldWeave Foundation‚ a nonprofit organization funded by American
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the issues[sex-ed.] at hand “removes family involvement with the children‚ put kids in an uncomfortable position‚ stripped any sense of morality‚ promote promiscuity‚ and encourages experimentation.” In the passage‚ I have identified the logical fallacies that the author utilized in their argument: personal attack(ad hominem)‚ slippery slope‚ perfect argument‚ false dilemma‚ and wishful thinking. This argument seems to direct its argument toward a general surgeon about his recommendation about educating
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Logical Fallacies Defined 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
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religios people can be fooled by one another. Logical fallacies are a rhetorical device in which he uses in order to have the effect of showing how believable the characters can be. A fallacy that is used throughout the Crucible would be Either or Choice. A fallacy where one is made to think they have just one choice. An example of Either or Choice would be in Act 1 where Reverend Parris tells Tituba “You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death‚ Tituba!” By saying
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