Fallacies of Form
“Studies show that over 90% of people who drink Diet Coke are overweight. This means that Diet Coke causes weight gain"
is an example of this fallacy
What is a False Cause?
“Of course climate change is real. 99% of scientists say so!”
is an example of this kind of disaster?
What is an appeal to authority?
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.”
This conversation represents this fallacy.
What is a red herring?
“Stop judging me! You shouldn’t judge people!”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is a self-refutation?
This servant girl got into a fight with John Proctor for being away in Salem and not doing her duties.
Who is Mary Warren?
“If you don’t love America then you ought to leave! You either love it or leave it!”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is a false dichotomy?
“Of course the theory of evolution is true. Every school in the country teaches it.”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is an appeal to majority?
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!"
This conversation is an example of this fallacy.
What is a strawman?
“If you’re not a woman you don’t have a right to voice your opinion on women’s issues!”
This is an example of this fallacy.
What is special pleading?
Reverend John Hale visits the Proctor’s home for this reason.
What is because Elizabeth Proctor has been accused of witchcraft and/or to examine if the Proctor's have a Christian home?
"Fords are terrible cars. I bought a Ford last year and it broke down within one month!"
is an example of this fallacy.
“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"
is an example of this fallacy?
What is an ad hominem?
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!”
This conversation is an example of this fallacy.
What is tu quoque?
“You should never use medicine; you should only use natural remedies. People have been treating illnesses for thousands of years before pharmaceutical companies ever existed!”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is chronological snobbery?
This person accused Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft.
Who is Abigail Williams?
"Do you really intend to vote for a racist candidate?"
is an example of this fallacy.
What is a loaded question?
“You still believe in the same moral principles as bronze-age goat herders?”
is an example of this fallacy?
What is chronological snobbery?
“You only think John Doe would be a good president because your Dad campaigned for him!”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is the genetic fallacy?
Person 1: “No scientist denies the theory evolution.”
Person 2: “Actually, John Doe is a PhD biologist at Oxford university and he denies evolution.”
Person 1: “O.K., but no REAL scientist denies the theory of evolution.”
This is an example of this fallacy?
What is a no true scottsman?
Who is Ezekiel Cheever?
“I know it’s illegal to do that because if you do it then you’ll break the law"
is an example of this logical fallacy.
What is circular reasoning/begging the question?
“You believe in nationalism? You realize Hitler was a nationalist, right?”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is the genetic fallacy?
“Since all 'men' are created equal, and women aren't 'men,' then women aren't created equal.”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is equivocation?
“If you play football, you will get a concussion. And if you get a concussion, you will get C.T.E. And if you get C.T.E. you will not be able to get a good job. If you get a bad job, you will get stressed and turn to drugs and alcohol. If you turn to drugs and alcohol, you’ll become homeless. Therefore, if you play football, you will become homeless.”
is an example of this fallacy.
What is a slippery slope?
What is a ragdoll with a pin in its belly?