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Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies. English 102. What is a logical fallacy?. A fallacy is an error of reasoning. These are flawed statements that often sound true

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Logical Fallacies

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  1. Logical Fallacies English 102

  2. What is a logical fallacy? • A fallacy is an error of reasoning. These are flawed statements that often sound true • Logical fallacies are often used to strengthen an argument, but if the reader detects them the argument can backfire, and damage the writer’s credibility

  3. Why study logical fallacies? It is important to develop logical fallacy detection skills in your own writing, as well as others’. Think of this as “intellectual kung-fu: the art of intellectual self defense.”

  4. Types of Logical Fallacies • Fallacies of Relevance • These fallacies appeal to evidence or examples that are irrelevant to the argument at hand. • “Bandwagon Approach” • “It must be cool because everyone is doing it…”

  5. Slippery Slope If A happens, then eventually through a series of small steps, through B, C,..., X, Y, Z will happen, too, basically equating A and Z. Example?

  6. Ad hominem: This is an attack on the character of a person rather than their opinions or arguments. Example?

  7. Genetic Fallacy: A conclusion is based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth. Example?

  8. False Dilemma The arguer claims that there are only two options and one is unacceptable so we must accept the other.  However in actuality there are other alternatives.

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  10. Hasty Generalization Any argument that draws a generalization based on a small or unrepresentative sample size. Example?

  11. Red Herring: When the arguer changes the subject and take the listener down a different, unrelated path.

  12. Appeals to force/fear The arguer tries to get you to accept their view on the grounds that you will be harmed if you don’t.

  13. Appeals to pity The arguer tries to get you to accept their view on the grounds that they will be harmed if you don’t.

  14. Prejudicial language Example?

  15. Guilt by Association The arguer suggests her opponent’s views should be rejected because the opponent is a member of a perceived disreputable group or the views of the opponent are also held by persons of a disreputable group.

  16. Resources  • The Owl at Purdue • THE Nizkor Project

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