Fallacies 1
Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on an inadequate sample.
What is Hasty Generalization?
Trying to get readers to agree with us simply by impressing them with a famous name or by appealing to a supposed authority who really isn't much of an expert.
What is Appeal to Authority?
The arguer sets up a wimpy version of the opponent's position and tries to score points by knocking it down.
What is Straw Man?
"My roommate said her philosophy class was hard, and the one I'm in is hard, too. All philosophy classes must be hard!"
What is an example of Hasty Generalization?
Cats are superior to dogs because they are cleaner, cuter, and more independent.
What is an example of Stacked Evidence?
Assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B. That is, correlation isn't the same thing as causation.
What is Post Hoc (also called false cause)?
The arguer tries to convince the audience to do or believe something because everyone else (supposedly) does.
What is Ad populum (bandwagon)?
Partway through an argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what's really at stake.
What is Red Herring?
"Gay marriages are just immoral. 70% of Americans think so!"
What is an example of Bandwagon?
If those protesters really loved their country, they wouldn't question the government.
What is an example of Non Sequitur?
Stacked Evidence
What represents only one side of the issue?
Ad hominen and tu quoque
What focuses our attention on people rather than on arguments or evidence?
The arguer sets up the situation so it looks like there are only two choices, then eliminates one of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option.
What is False Dichotomy?
"President Jones raised taxes, and then the rate of violent crime went up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime."
What is an example of False Cause?
"Active euthanasia is morally acceptable. It is a decent, ethical thing to help another human being escape suffering through death."
What is an example of Begging the Question?
When the arguer claims that a chain reaction will take place but not enough evidence to support that.
What is Slippery Slope?
When an arguer makes people feel sorry for someone in order for them to accept the conclusion.
What is Appeal to Pity?
Simply ignores an important assumption that the argument rests on.
What is Begging the Question?
"We should abolish the death penalty. Many respected people, such as actor Guy Handsome, have publicly stated their opposition to it."
What is an example of Appealing to Authority?
"Grading this exam on a curve would be the most fair thing to do. After all, classes go more smoothly when the students and the professor are getting along well."
What is an example of Red Herring?
If two things are being compared aren't really alike in the relevant respects, the analogy is a weak one.
What is Faulty Analogy?
"Look, there's no conclusive evidence on the issue at hand. Therefore, you should accept my conclusion on the issue."
What is Appeal to Ignorance?
An important logical step may be missing in such a claim.
What is Non Sequitur?
"I know the exam is graded based on performance, but you should give me an A. My cat has been sick, my car broke down, and I've had a cold, so it was really hard for me to study!"
What is and example of Appealing to Pity?
"Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk student's safety. Obviously we shouldn't risk anyone's safety, so we must tear the building down."
What is an example of False Dichotomy?