Logical Fallacies

Multiple Choice

What are logical fallacies?

• facts that aren't true

• misleading statements

Multiple Choice

What is the slippery slope fallacy?

• Arguing that something is false because it is difficult to understand.

• Claiming that a relatively small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of related events culminating in some significant effect.

• Appealing to popular beliefs to gain support for an argument.

• Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself.

Multiple Choice

Dyanna: "I don't think the kickball coach is doing a very good job."

Maria: "You're too clumsy to play kickball, so you don't know what you're talking about."

• Straw Man

• False Analogy

• Ad Hominem

• Red Herring

Multiple Choice

What does the bandwagon appeal fallacy involve?

• Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself.

• Arguing that something is true or right because many people believe it.

• Drawing a conclusion based on too few examples.

• Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack.

Multiple Choice

You should buy one. Everybody else in the class has one.

• loaded language

• slippery slope

• categorical claim

• bandwagon

Now it's time to practice!

On each of the next slides, you will identify the type of fallacy being used OR define a fallacy.

Multiple Choice

"If we allow people to have the occasional sugary treat, soon everyone will be consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy food, leading to a nationwide health crisis."

What type of logical fallacy is presented in this argument?

• Circular Reasoning

• Appeal to Emotion

• Slippery Slope

• False Analogy

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of Slippery Slope?

If you don't brush your teeth this morning...

• ...all of your teeth will fall out and no one will ever offer you a job.

• ...you will regret it halfway through the day.

• ...you will be sure to remember to brush them this evening.

Multiple Choice

Which statement demonstrates a bandwagon appeal fallacy?

• If you work hard and stay dedicated, you can achieve your goals.

• Nine out of ten dentists recommend this toothpaste, so you should use it too.

• Exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining good health.

• This car is the best-selling model, so everyone is buying it. You should too!

Multiple Choice

What is an Ad hominem?

• Attempts to discredit an idea by attacking the person’s character rather than his or her argument

• Makes a broad statement about people on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, race, or political, social, professional, or religious group

Multiple Choice

Which fallacy encourages or persuades based on the idea that idea is popular with other people?

• name calling

• glittering generalities

• bandwagon

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of Slippery Slope?

If you don't brush your teeth this morning...

• ...all of your teeth will fall out and no one will ever offer you a job.

• ...you will regret it halfway through the day.

• ...you will be sure to remember to brush them this evening.

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of an ad hominem?

• “All musicians think the same way.”

• “My opponent cannot be trusted: Elect him, and city violence will surely increase.”