CritThink Intro Logical Fallacies Quiz

What is the Straw Man Fallacy?

• A type of logical fallacy where someone appeals to popular opinion rather than addressing the argument

• A type of logical fallacy where someone distorts or misrepresents an opponent's argument

• A type of logical fallacy where someone presents a weak version of the opponent's argument

• A type of logical fallacy where someone uses personal attacks instead of addressing the argument

Answer explanation

The Straw Man Fallacy is a type of logical fallacy where someone distorts or misrepresents an opponent's argument. It involves presenting a weak version of the opponent's argument.

True or false? The following is an example of the Straw Man Fallacy.

Person 1: "We should increase benefits for unemployed single mothers during the first year after childbirth because they need sufficient money to provide medical care for their children."

Person 2: "So, you want to incentivize women to become single mothers so they can free-ride off the tax money of hard-working citizens, which will hurt our economy and our society in the long run."

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Straw Man Fallacy is when someone exaggerates the opponent's argument to make it easier to attack. It is a way of misrepresenting the opponent's position to make it easier to refute.

What is the Appeal to Authority Fallacy?

• Appealing to emotions to support an argument

• Using logical reasoning to support an argument

• Citing a popular opinion to support an argument

• Citing an authority figure to support an argument without providing evidence or reasoning

Answer explanation

The Appeal to Authority Fallacy is when an argument is supported by citing an authority figure without evidence or reasoning. This is the correct choice.

The following is an example of the Appeal to Authority Fallacy. True or false?

“I read a book by a nutritionist who says all carbs are bad. That's why we should avoid them completely.”

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Appeal to Authority Fallacy is best exemplified by quoting a famous athlete to support a medical-related argument.

What is the False Dilemma Fallacy?

• Presenting only two options when more than two are available

• Citing a popular opinion to support an argument

• Presenting only one option when two are available

• Ignoring the opponent's argument completely

Answer explanation

The False Dilemma Fallacy is the act of presenting only two options when more than two are available. It is important to consider all possible choices before making a decision.

Which of the following is NOT an example of the False Dilemma Fallacy?

• 'If you're not a Democrat, then you must be a Republican.'

• If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.'

• 'Either you are with us, or you are against us.'

• 'Banning guns is the only way to prevent constant mass shootings.'

Answer explanation

The False Dilemma Fallacy occurs when only two options are presented, ignoring other possibilities. In this case, the correct choice is presenting only one option without considering other possibilities.

What is the Slippery Slope Fallacy?

• Appealing to emotions to support an argument

• Asserting that taking a small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of related events resulting in some significant impact or event

• Ignoring the opponent's argument completely

• Using logical reasoning to support an argument

Answer explanation

The Slippery Slope Fallacy is the assertion that taking a small first step will lead to a chain of events resulting in a significant impact or event.

Which of the following is an example of a Slippery Slope Fallacy?

• "If we ban violent video games, we should also ban football."

• "If we allow people to eat fast food, they might become obese."

• "If we raise the minimum wage, workers will enjoy a standard of living above poverty."

• "If we allow students to use Excel spreadsheets in finance class, soon they will become dependent on them and won't be able to apply basic formulas without them."

Answer explanation

The Slippery Slope Fallacy is exemplified by the statement: 'If we allow students to use calculators in math class, soon they will become dependent on them and won't be able to do basic arithmetic without them.' This choice highlights the best example of the fallacy.

What is the Circular Reasoning Fallacy?

• Using logical reasoning to support an argument

• Ignoring the opponent's argument completely

• Ignoring the opponent's argument completely

• Basing an argument on the conclusion one is trying to prove rather than using evidence

Answer explanation

The Circular Reasoning Fallacy is when an argument is based on the conclusion that it is trying to prove. It is a logical error that lacks evidence and relies on circular logic.

Which logical fallacy might this be? "My argument is valid because it's true."

• Ad Hominem

• Straw Man

• Red Herring

• Circular Reasoning