Understanding Logical Fallacies

What is a logical fallacy?

• A fact that everyone believes

• A rule in a debate

• An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid

• A type of puzzle

Why might logical fallacies be persuasive?

• They are always true

• They use strong evidence

• They sound confident, even if illogical

• They are easy to understand

What does 'false cause' mean?

• Ignoring the cause of an event

• Blaming something that didn't cause the event

• A correct assumption about the cause of an event

• Finding the real cause of something

What does the phrase 'correlation does not equal causation' explain?

• Two things occurring together must be related

• Causation is always due to correlation

• Correlation can prove causation

• Two things occurring together doesn't mean one caused the other

What is a 'strawman' fallacy?

• Building a strong argument

• Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack

• Supporting an argument with facts

• Agreeing with an argument

What does 'begging the question' involve?

• Begging someone to agree with you

• Questioning the basics

• Assuming the conclusion within the premise

• Asking a lot of questions

Why should George use evidence and reasoning in his argument about ghosts?

• To confuse the listeners

• To prove his conclusion logically

• To make people laugh

• To make his story interesting

What is a 'false dilemma'?

• A problem with many solutions

• Ignoring a problematic situation

• Presenting only two options when more exist

• Solving a dilemma correctly

What might be other possibilities when Ethan doesn't answer the door?

• Ethan is not at home

• Ethan is busy or unable to come to the door

• Ethan is ignoring the doorbell

• Ethan's doorbell is broken

What should you do to spot logical fallacies?

• Listen without questioning

• Agree with the speaker

• Apply critical thinking

• Ignore the details