Logical Fallacies revision

What is a logical fallacy?

• They are language skills used in reading and writing to make people believe something.

• An old fashioned name.

• A reasoning error that strengthens or validates an argument.

• A reasoning error that weakens or invalidates an argument.

Why is it important to be able to recognise logical fallacies?

• They improve your sense of style.

• They are necessary for university level argumentation and debate.

• They are unnecessary for university level argumentation and debate.

• So students can increase their flawed reasoning and rhetorical errors.

Which of the following best describes the Straw Man fallacy?

• When your opponent builds a straw man in the room and beats it with a stick to show they have won the argument.

• This occurs when someone draws conclusions based on inadequate or insufficient evidence. They jump to conclusions about the validity of an argument with some, but not enough, evidence.

• When your opponent over-simplifies and misrepresents your argument. Instead of addressing your argument, they present a similar but different version known as a Straw Man.

Which of these is an example of a circular argument?

• The Bible is true, so you should not doubt the Word of God.

• I met two people on the way, neither spoke English, so nobody here speaks English.

• We can either agree with Linda's plan, or just let the project fail. There is no other option.

• 75% of Americans believe in the paranormal, so ghosts must be real.

Which of these terms can be used for the Bandwagon Fallacy?

• Ad-Hominem,

• Appeal to wagons

• Appeal to loyalty.

• Appeal to the people.

Name the fallacy being used here - "But, you have to let me go to the party! If I don’t go to the party, I’ll be a loser with no friends. Next thing you know I’ll end up alone and jobless living in your basement when I’m 30!"

What is the False Dilemma Fallacy?

• This fallacy misleads by presenting complex issues in terms of two opposed sides. Instead of acknowledging that most (if not all) issues can be thought of as many different possibilities and stances, the false dilemma fallacy asserts that there are only two mutually exclusive outcomes.

• This fallacy is an attempt to discredit an opponent by answering criticism with criticism but never actually presenting a counterargument to the original claim.

• This fallacy occurs when the end of an argument comes back to the beginning without having proven itself. This form of reasoning is considered a pragmatic defect, or informal fallacy, rather than a formal logical fallacy because it follows a valid pattern of argument.

Tu Quoque is latin for...?

• Him also.

• Her also.

• You also.

• They also.

An Ad Hominem Fallacy is what?

• Ad Hominem is an extinct member of the genus Homo Sapien.

• Ad hominem is a logical fallacy that involves a personal attack: an argument based on the perceived failings of an adversary rather than on the merits of the case.

• Ad Hominem is an attempt to discredit an opponent by answering criticism with criticism but never actually presenting a counterargument to the original claim.

Tracy has four male friends who do not like basketball. She decides that all men must not like basketball.

This is an example of..?

• Red Herring Fallacy

• Ad-Hominem Fallacy

• Slippery Slope Fallacy

• Hasty Generalisation fallacy