Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies

by Samantha Johnson

​What are logical fallacies and how are they used?

​an incorrect or problematic argument that is not based on sound reasoning; also known as faulty reasoning

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​The whole point of using a logical fallacy is to make something that is not true believable.

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​Some places you may hear or read a logical fallacy. In a court room, classroom. political debates, social media, and tv.

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Multiple Choice

What is the main goal of a logical fallacy?

• To make someone believe something that is true.

• To prove your argument logically.

• To prove your argument, using made up facts or illogical reasoning.

​Loaded Language

words, terms, or phrases that have strong emotional overtones or connotations and are meant to influence and appeal to an audience by evoking negative or positive emotional reactions that extend beyond the literal meaning of a word or phrase.

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​What is connotation mean based on the paragraph above?

Sweeping Generalization

A writers or speaker's use of a general statement meant to apply to many cases when some cases may include specific or unique details that make the assertion invalid.

Multiple Choice

What is NOT a sweeping generalization?

• "All Americans eat fast food"

• (A dog says) "All cats have four legs. Therefore, I am a cat"

• Starbucks says, "Better Coffee. Faster Service."

• "All men are enemies. All animals are friends"

​Bandwagon Appeal

A rhetorical fallacy that indicates a form of faulty reasoning used to appeal to the "everyone is doing it" mentality.

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​Circular Reasoning

a logical fallacy in which an assumption is made in a definition or argument that includes the very point that one is trying to prove.

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Basically, its good because it's good.

​Strawman Argument

A weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted.

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​In other words, this argument simply ignores a person's actual position and substitutes a distorted, exaggerated, or misrepresented version of that position.

​Red Herring Argument

a fallacy that is an irrelevant topic introduced in an argument to divert the attention of listeners or readers from the original issue.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy uses distraction as its main defense?

• Red Herring

• Bandwagon

• Circular Reasoning

• Loaded Language

​Make your own logical fallacy.

For example, if my topic is everyone should participate in “going green” for the environment.

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​A bandwagon appeal could be; "As I have gotten older, almost all stores have a "natural" or organic section. If one store has it, every store should."

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​Now using the following topic, write your own logical fallacy: The school day should be shortened (or lengthened)