Logical fallacies

Logical fallacies In argumentative writing

What are Logical Fallacies? • Common errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of your argument.

Definitions

Slippery Slope • If A happens then Z will happen

Hasty Generalization • Conclusion based on insufficient evidence

Post hoc ergo propter hoc • If ‘A’ occurred after ‘B’ then ‘B’ caused ‘A’

Circular Argument • Restates argument instead of proving it

Either/Or • Oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides

Ad populum • An emotional appeal that speaks to positive or negative concepts instead of the actual issue

Red Herring • Avoids the key issues and the opposing arguments

Let’s Practice Examples, examples, examples

??? • If you were a true American you would support the rights of people to choose whatever vehicle they want.

??? • Even though it’s only the first day, I can tell this is going to be a boring course.

??? • George Bush is a good communicator because he speaks effectively.

??? • I drank bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick.

??? • The level of Mercury in seafood may be unsafe, but what will fishers do to support their families?

??? • If we ban Hummers because they are bad for the environment eventually the government will ban all cars, so we should not ban Hummers.

??? • We can either stop using cars or destroy the earth.