EAS Logic 7.1 Fallacies 5

Which logical fallacy is committed when someone claims, "Most people believe that genetically modified foods are unsafe, so they must be dangerous"?

• Appeal to Tradition

• Consensus Gentium

• Special Pleading

• Argument because of Age Fallacy

What is the name of the fallacy where someone argues, "We should keep teaching the geocentric model because it has been taught for centuries"?

• Special Pleading

• Appeal to Tradition

• Consensus Gentium

• Argument because of Age Fallacy

Which fallacy is shown when someone says, "You can't question my science project results because I'm older and have more experience"?

• Argument because of Age Fallacy

• Consensus Gentium

• Appeal to Tradition

• Special Pleading

A student claims, "My experiment didn't work because the laws of physics don't apply to me." Which fallacy is this?

• Special Pleading

• Consensus Gentium

• Appeal to Tradition

• Argument because of Age Fallacy

Which of the following is an example of the Consensus Gentium fallacy in a science context?

• "Everyone in my class thinks climate change isn't real, so it must be fake."

• "Older scientists know more, so their theories are always correct."

• "We have always used this method, so it must be the best."

• "My experiment is an exception to the rules."

Identify the Appeal to Tradition fallacy in the following options:

• "We should use the metric system because it's more accurate."

• "We should keep using the imperial system because that's what we've always done."

• "Most people believe the imperial system is better."

• "The metric system is better because scientists say so."

Which statement best illustrates Special Pleading in a science experiment?

• "My results are valid even though I didn't follow the procedure, because my experiment is unique."

• "Most students got the same answer, so it must be right."

• "Older students always get better results."

• "We should use this method because it's traditional."

Which of the following is an example of the Argument because of Age Fallacy in a science discussion?

• "You should believe my hypothesis because I'm older than you."

• "Most people agree with my hypothesis."

• "This method has always been used."

• "My experiment is an exception to the rules."

A group of students refuses to accept a new scientific theory because "everyone knows the old theory is correct." Which fallacy are they committing, and why is this reasoning flawed?

• Consensus Gentium; because popularity does not guarantee truth in science

• Special Pleading; because they are making an exception

• Appeal to Tradition; because old theories are always right

• Argument because of Age Fallacy; because older people believe it

A teacher insists on using an outdated scientific method, arguing, "This is how we've always done it, so it's the best way." What fallacy is this, and what is a better approach?

• Appeal to Tradition; evaluate methods based on current evidence

• Consensus Gentium; follow what most people do

• Special Pleading; make exceptions for tradition

• Argument because of Age Fallacy; trust older teachers