Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is a ______ in an argument.

• fact

• flaw

• friendly connection

Which of the following arguments contains circular reasoning?

• Many people think that climate change affects many people. 

• Martin Luther King Jr. was a good communicator because he spoke effectively.

Pick the hasty generalization.

• Jake's grandparents do not know how to use a computer. Jake thinks that all older people must be computer illiterate.

• Over 10,000 people are polled on who the best 8th grade teacher is. Mr. Martin wins.

Which of the following is an example of a slippery slope argument?

• Animal experimentation reduces our respect for life. Soon our society will become a battlefield in which everyone constantly fears for their lives. 

• If we ban high polluting vehicles, we will eventually have less carbon in our atmosphere. 

Which of the following arguments is an example of an Ad Hominem logical fallacy?

• Carl is clearly wrong about his belief that the earth is actually flat. 

• Green Peace's strategies aren't effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippies.

Which of the following arguments contains a False Dichotomy?

• Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students’ safety.

• Either we figure out a way to reduce the effects of climate change or we will be left to face these effects.

Which of the following arguments contains equivocation?

• Many people support Representative Adams, despite the fact that has lost every race he's ever won.

• Giving money to charity is the right thing to do. So charities have a right to our money.

Which of the following arguments contains a false analogy?

• Isabelle felt like an inflated balloon ever since Roger had asked her to the senior prom. What should she wear? Was he really the one? There were so many questions.

• There’s no difference between soccer and tennis. They are both played on a rectangle with balls.