Fallacies of Form 1
“Studies show that over 90% of people who drink Diet Coke are overweight. This means that Diet Coke causes weight gain.”
What is a false cause?
“If you don’t love America then you ought to leave! You either love it or leave it!”
What is a false dichotomy?
“Of course the theory is true. Everyone in the country believes it!”
What is an argument from majority?
“Of course climate change is real. Bill Nye the Science guy has proved it like a million times!”
What is an argument from authority?
This dystopian sci-fi book critiques tyrannical governments
What is 1984?
"Do you really intend to vote for a racist candidate?"
What is a loaded question?
"Fords are terrible cars. I bought a Ford last year and it broke down within one month!"
What is a hasty generalization?
“Of course aliens exist! Do you know anyone who has disproved their existence?”
What is an argument from silence?
“I don’t believe what my professor taught today, and neither should you. After all, he didn’t even go to an Ivy League school.”
What is an Ad Hominem?
This play is about a Scottish nobleman who commits a series of murders to fulfill a prophecy made about him becoming king.
What is Macbeth?
Jane Doe: “I think the Tour De France is the hardest bike race in the world!”
John Doe: “Jane thinks the longest bike race is the Tour De France even though Race Across America is almost 1,000 miles longer!
What is a strawman?
"As soon as she became president, Wal-mart closed over 1,000 locations. She's clearly bad for businesses!"
What is a false cause?
“You still believe in the same moral principles as bronze-age goat herders?”
What is chronological snobbery?
“You should never take medicine, you should only use natural remedies. People have been treating illness for thousands of years before pharmaceutical companies ever existed!”
What is chronological snobbery?
This book is a critique of the Russian Revolution and Marxism.
What is Animal Farm?
“Stop judging me! You shouldn’t judge people!”
What is a self-refutation?
“If you vote for her, she is going to start wars all over the middle east, which will bankrupt our country, which will send your children into poverty!”
What is a slippery slope?
“You only think John Doe would be a good president because your Dad campaigned for him!”
What is the genetic fallacy?
“You believe in nationalism? You realize Hitler was a nationalist, right?”
What is the genetic fallacy?
This is the author of Animal Farm.
Who is George Orwell?
“I know it’s illegal to do that because if you do it then you’ll break the law.”
What is circular reasoning?
“If you’re not a woman you don’t have a right to voice your opinion on women’s issues!”
What is special pleading?
Journalist: “Mr. President, how are you going to fix the economy?
President: “I grew up in a middle class family. I used to mow the lawn, take out the trash, and run errands at the groceries stores. I’ve always loved and connected with the everyday, middle class people. I will always fight for the middle class.”
What is a red herring?
Journalist: “John Doe, you’re a famous actor and you’re always lecturing the public about climate change, yet you travel in private jets that are terrible for the environment.”
John Doe: “You’re one to talk! You drive all over the country for work which pollutes the air!”
What is tu quoque?
This is the author of 1984
Who is George Orwell?