Fallacies

What are "common errors in reasoning that will undermine the logic of your argument"? (from Purdue OWL)

• argument fallacies

• logical fallacies

• rational fallacies

• illogical fallacies

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

What type of fallacy involves claiming that if a certain thing is allowed to happen, then a chain of events will occur, eventually causing something worse to happen?

• ad hominem

• hasty generalization

• red herring

• slippery slope

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1E

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.3.1G

What does the fallacy of "post hoc ergo propter hoc" involve?

• claiming that something was the cause of some effect, just because the thing preceded the effect

• implying something that should be proved, without actually proving it

• implying or claiming that two things that are very different morally are actually the same

• falsely implying that only two options exist, when in reality more than two are possible

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

What type of fallacy involves arguing against a weaker version of an opponent’s argument – one the opponent doesn’t actually holds?

• ad populum/bandwagon appeal

• straw man

• either/or

• moral equivalence

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1E

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.3.1G

What does the fallacy of "ad hominem" involve?

• changing the topic or point to avoid addressing an argument

• making a broad or universal claim about something without enough evidence to support the claim

• claiming that the nature of a person, thing, or idea is determined by who or what created it

• speaking against the character(s) of the individual(s) you are arguing against instead of addressing their argument itself

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1E

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.3.1G

What is an example of a "genetic fallacy"?

• "It turns out the scientist who cured cancer believes the Earth is flat. Supposedly his innovations saved thousands, but I wouldn't trust it, since he believes the earth is flat."

• "Sure, someone may have cured cancer, but what about overpopulation!"

• "Sure, thousands were cured of cancer, but one person developed some side affects from the treatment. This new cancer treatment might be poison."

• "Everyone nows that some diseases can't be wiped out. Cancer is one of those."

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1G

What is an example of the fallacy of "moral equivalence"?

• "So you think that stealing a car is worse than stealing a loaf of bread? What are you saying? Are you saying that some immoral actions are actually good?"

• "Why are you arguing that stealing a car is worse than stealing a loaf of bread? It must be because you want to be able to get away with stealing bread."

• "Whether stealing a loaf of bread or a car --a thief is a thief!"

• "If we accept your argument that stealing a car is worse than stealing a loaf of bread, pretty soon people will be saying that stealing a car isn't so bad, and so on, and so on."

What kind of fallacy is the following an example of?

"When the frog hopped by me, my headache went away. So that must mean that seeing a frog can cure a headache."

• straw man

• post hoc ergo propter hoc

• slippery slope

• begging the claim

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.3.1D

What kind of fallacy is the following an example of?

"Investing in this stock will make us rich or make us go broke"

• circular argument

• genetic fallacy

• either/or

• red herring

Which fallacy/fallacies might be useful to use when arguing?

• none

• all of them

• the "straw man" fallacy

• the "begging the claim" and "circular argument" fallacies