Logic Fallicies

Logic Fallicies

Writing

Key Idea

A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Key Idea

A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information:

Writing

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Fallacy	Description
ad hominem	an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself
appeal to nature	an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice
bandwagon fallacy	an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice
circular reasoning	an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself
guilt by association	an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit

Match

Match the following

• ad hominem

• appeal to nature

• bandwagon fallacy

• circular reasoning

• guilt by association

an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself

an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice

an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice

an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself

an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or

• an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself

• an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice

• an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice

• an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself

• an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or

Key Idea

A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand:

Fallacy	Description
false causation	the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other
false dichotomy	an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist
hasty generalization	a broad claim based on too few observations
slippery slope fallacy	the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences
straw man	a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

Dropdown

A ​ ​ ​

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Is the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other. A ​

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is an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist. ​

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is when broad claim based on too few observations. A ​

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Is when the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences. A ​ ​

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is when a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

I read that people with higher-paying jobs wear more expensive clothing. So, if I wear fancier clothes, I'll finally get that raise I've been wanting.

• Guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something.

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against..

• False causation: the assumption that because two things happened, one caused the other.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

If you're wondering whether purchasing the computer's extended warranty is a wise choice, let me point out that ninety percent of my customers choose to buy it. Don't question the wisdom of the crowd.

• Hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations.

• Bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct.

• Appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

Did you know that Dale is back home living with his parents again and won't get a job? Gosh, millennials are such a lazy generation.

• Slipper slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences.

• Hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations.

• Appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

We can't let Governor McClain impose regulations on gas-guzzling cars! Soon enough, he'll start trying to ban all cars!

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against.

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.

• false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other.

• Slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

This news story must be accurate. It's been shared online over a million times!

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against.

• Hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations.

• Bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

Harry is not qualified to run the Environmental Club. Have you seen his sister's huge, horrifically inefficient car? The planet cries whenever she turns on the ignition.

• circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against.

• Appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good

• Guilt by association: A negative association intended to discredit someone or something.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

Did Hunter vote for Karen for school president, or does he hate her for some reason?

• Slipper slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences.

• False dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist.

• Guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something,

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

I don't trust Professor Johnston's findings. Another researcher at her university was caught falsifying data. So, it's likely Professor Johnston has, too.

• Appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good.

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.

• Guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

The thing that makes Rob stand out as a remarkable cellist is that he's a marvelous musician who plays the cello splendidly.

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against.

• Slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

Don't be deceived by Abby Melton's articles on rural, blue-collar workers. Her husband is a fancy investment banker, so she can't possibly understand their situation.

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself

• Guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

Yogurt is a healthful dietary choice because it's good for you.

• False causation: the assumption that because two things happened, one caused the other.

• Bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct.

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.

Multiple Choice

Which logical fallacy is used in the text?

Frank argues that American schools should offer foreign language classes at every level. I disagree. How could Frank not see the value of learning English?

• Straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against.

• Guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something,

• Circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself.