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Logical Fallacies

Learn about common errors in reasoning called logical fallacies that lack evidence to support claims. Slippery Slope, Hasty Generalization, Genetic Fallacy, Circular Argument, Either/or, Ad hominem, Ad populum, Red Herring, Straw Man - find out how these fallacies can weaken your argument.

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Logical Fallacies

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  1. Logical Fallacies

  2. What are they? • Common errors in reasoning that will undermind your argument. Typically, fallacies lack evidence that supports the c laim.

  3. There are a lot more where these came from… Common Fallacies

  4. Slippery Slope • If we ban Factory Farming, then we will be condemning millions of Americans to die of starvation. • While this statement might not be false, it is still fallacious, since the conclusion based on the premise that 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.

  5. Hasty Generalization • Organic Farming is more sustainable because the animals are treated better. • This is a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence. In other words, you are rushing to a conclusion before you have all the relevant fact.

  6. Genetic Fallacy • The FDA must be corrupt since it is ran by the former CEO of Tyson Industries. • As with others, this statement might be true, but it is still fallacious given that the conclusion is based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth. Simply working for the meat industry doesn’t make you evil.

  7. Circular Argument • Factory Farming is environmentally friendly because it leaves a small carbon footprint. • This restates the argument rather than proves it.

  8. Either/or • We can either put an end to factory farming, or destroy the earth. • Similar to slippery slope, this over simplifies the argument by reducing it to two sides.

  9. Ad hominem • Factory Farming is not the most effective because the big corporations that run them are only concerned about profit. • Again, could be true. Still, not supported with real facts. Instead, the attack is on people, instead of the issue at hand, i.e. what could be a more effective use of space/money/etc.?

  10. Ad populum • Factory Farming is the most effective because cheap food is an American right. • This appeals to the emotionality of a concept, not to the real issue. Sure, cheap food is essential to some, but the check stand price of food belies its larger cost.

  11. Red Herring • Granted, some of the practices of factory farming are unsavory, but what about the people who need to support their families? • Still, no speaking to the issues of health. Instead, the emotional appeal regarding jobs diverts the reader’s attention away from the real issue at hand.

  12. Straw Man • People who support factory farming do not care about the health of themselves or others. • As with others, this oversimplifies. The claim attributes a motive to the oppositions view point that is more than likely not true.

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