The "F" Word
Arguments that make a more subtle appeal to emotion, but include types of proofs that are irrelevant to the case at hand
What are Red Herrings?
Argument that distracts by making the audience feel sorry for the speaker or someone on behalf of whom the speaker is arguing
What is Appeal to Pity?
Argument that distracts by making the audience afraid of the consequences of disagreeing with the speaker
What is Appeal to Fear?
Arguments that distract by focusing attention on the source of the argument, rather than on the issue itself
What are Ad Fontem arguments?
Arguments that are really distractions from the main point
What are Fallacies of Relevance?
Argument that distracts by measuring a plan or policy according to goals it wasn't intended to achieve
What is Irrelevant Goals or Functions?
Arguments that attempt to sway the opinions of people by compelling them to feel emotions such as pity, anger, fear, joy, peer pressure, intimidation, etc.
What are Appeals to Emotion?
Argument that assumes a rival's recommendation should be discounted because the rival does not always follow it himself
What is Tu Quoque?
Argument that tries to discredit an opponent because of his background, affiliations, or self-interest in the matter at hand
What is Ad Hominem Circumstantial?
Argument that distracts by making the audience want to feel "special"
What is Snob Appeal?
Ad Hominem Abusive
What is an argument that attempts to avoid the issue by insulting an opponent with abusive language?
Chronological Snobbery
Irrelevant Thesis
What is an argument that distracts by making a case for the wrong point?
Genetic Fallacy
What is an argument that states that an idea should be discounted simply because of its source or origin?
Appeal to Ignorance
What is an argument that claims that since a proposition cannot be disproven, it must therefore be true or likely?
Mob Appeal
What is an argument that distracts by making the audience want to be part of the crowd or one of the "common people"?
Appeal to Illegitimate Authority
What is an argument that distracts by attempting to shame the listener into agreement by citing an illegitimate authority?
Example:
Don't listen to that Harry Burns talk-radio show. he is a long-haired, bad-mouthed wise guy who needs to take a shower.
What is an Ad Hominem Abusive Fallacy?
Straw Man Fallacy
What is an argument that attempts to disprove an opponent's position by presenting it in an unfair or inaccurate light?
Example:
My parents have always told me to stay away from drugs and alcohol. They've pointed out that getting caught up in a lifestyle that includes drugs and alcohol usually hinders a person's ability to reach high standards an goals
What is an Irrelevant Goal or Function Fallacy?
Example:
Linda's mom won't let her get her ears pierced. Her mom won't let Linda grow up and she wants to control her every move.
What is a Straw Man Fallacy?
Example:
Did you know that Greg believes in life in outer space? I think it started with that movie he watched last year about aliens. He believes in extraterrestrial life because of a Hollywood film!
What is a Genetic Fallacy?
Example:
The American people don't want Congress to endlessly debate this health-care bill. They want sensible health-care reform now, and I say it is about time.
What is a Mob Appeal Fallacy?
Example:
What if cell phones cause brain cancer? It is better to do without a cell phone and preserve your health.
What is an Appeal to Fear Fallacy?
Example:
There has to be life on Mars. I have yet to see one shred of evidence that proves there is no life there.
What is an Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy?