Terminology
Distraction
Resemblance
Emotion & Resemblance
Anything Goes
100
In a logical argument there are premises which support the conclusion. If these premises provide conclusive support we call the argument _________.
What is Deductive, Valid and Sound?
100
I'm in favor of legalized gambling. There are those who oppose it, but they apparently think that anything that's fun is sinful.
What is a False Dilemma? There are more than two choices here!
100
Callous though it sounds, I do not believe we have an obligation to redistribute wealth to the less fortunate. The reason that I believe this is that what a person earns is rightfully hers. No one else has a claim to it.
What is Begging the Question (or Circular Reasoning)? The premise is so close to the same assertion as the conclusion; it is just restated from the other side of the same coin.
100
Politicians should keep in mind, when they are deciding whether abortion is right or wrong, that we pro-lifers have big families who grow up to be part of the voting public. Pro-abortionsits tend to have no families at all.
What is an Appeal to Force? This constitutes a threat ... which is not a logical support.
100
I believe the economic issues is the imortant one in this election. I don't know that much about economics myself, but my mother-in-law teaches economics and my uncle has run a large business for years. I've talked it over with them, and I think that the Republican candidate would probably do a better job of guiding the country's economic policies.
What is Appeal to an Inappropriate Authority? This MIGHT be a fallacy .. it is debatable.
200
In a logical argument there are premises which support the conclusion. If these premises provide an increased probability that the conclusion is true, we call the argument _________.
What is non-deductively successful.
200
In the early stages the compulsive gambler doesn't behave differently from teh casual gambler. He plays a little poker on Friday night; he bets ont he Sunday football games. Slowly, he begins to bet more. Winning becomes the high point of his week. A loss means several days of depression. Finally, he runs out of his own money and is forced to get it any way he can. He begs, borrows, and ultimately steals. Beware! That first flip of the coin can spell disaster.
What is a Slippery Slope? It is not logically necessary that one day gambling will ever lead to another.
200
It won't be dangerous to ride with Gary, because he hasn't been drinking. If he had been drinking, it would be dangerous.
What is Denying the Antecedent? If drinking, then dangerous. Not drinking. Therefore, not dangerous.
200
I've poured my soul into the task of writing this novel. I've worked on it late at night after spending the day on my regular job. I've endured rejections, gone through revisions, and at last it's published. What do you think about it?
What is an Appeal to Pity? The speaker is counting on your pity swaying your critical judgment.
200
The company was responsible for sending Bert into the chamber without properly checking for poisonous gases. Clearly, Bert has suffered substantial nerve damage that contines him to his home and makes it difficult for him to carry out even the most mundane activities such as feeding himself. The action of the company has caused him great physical pain and psychological suffering. He deserves compensation.
What is an Appeal to Pity? No support is given regarding the guilt of the company .. but much evidence is cited regarding Bert's suffering ... which is irrelevant to the company's guilt.
300
In a logical argument there are premises which support the conclusion. If these premises do NOT support the conclusion, we call the argument _________.
What is invalid or unsuccessful?
300
Those who support the practice of prayer in the classroom must believe that there is no constitutional provision for separation of church and state. But such a separation is clearly providded for. Prayer in the classroom cqannot be tolerated.
What is a Straw Man? This is not a fair retelling of the opposing sides argument.
300
If Alvin really loved Alice, then he would have given up his evil ways. He does seem to have reformed - he's even quit hanging out in pool halls and doing drugs. He must really love Alice.
What is Affirming the Consequent? If love, then change. Change. Therefore, love.
300
You say we need to expand Head Start programs? There you go again, thinking we can solve problems by throwing money at them.
What is Prejudicial language? "throwing money" is a tainted way of saying that they programs should be paid for.
300
According to my theory, men who had doting mothers will seek women who are independent and not overly affectionate. Now if my theory is correct, Ed would be attracted to someone like Carla but Ed can't stand Carla. Hum. Guess my theory is in trouble!
What is a Valid Argument in the form of Modus Tollens (Denying the Consequent)? If correct theory, then Ed likes Carla. Ed does NOT like Carla. Therefore, theory NOT correct. Modus Tollens!
400
In a logical argument there are premises which support the conclusion. If these premises are psychologically persuasive yet rationally unrelated or irrelevant to the conclusion, we call the argument _________.
What is a fallacy?
400
So stands this young man, at the crossroads of a life of crime or a life of virtue.
What are the fallacies of the Slippery Slope and False Dilemma? There are more than two choices for ones life ... and a choice at a young age does not logically commit you for life!
400
To the editor: five million illegal aliens in theis country is more than a crime. It's an invasion! Why not just put the military in place to use lethal force to sop this invasion?
What is Equivocation? "Invasion" at first means large numbers coming into this country illegally. Then, to justify using lethal force, "invasion" is given the connotation of an attack on this country. This is an unfair shift in meaning.
400
Rudi says that the government should provide more jobs for people. He should know. He couldn't get a job on his own if he had to.
What is Attacking the Person? This counter-argument discredits Rudi's position by attacking Rudi. It is logically irrelivant to Rudi's argument if Rudi has or can get a job.
400
So the thing to do when working on a motorcycle, as in any other task, is to cultivate the peace of mind that does not separate one's self from one's surroundings. When that is done successfully, then teverything else follows naturally. Peace of mind produces right values, right values produce right thoughts. Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work that will be a material reflection for others to see the serenity at the center of it all.
What is a Slippery Slope? Logically speaking, one small action does not commit one to an entire chain reaction. It may lead to one good outcome, but that does not logically lead to an entire life of goodness.
500
In a logical argument there are premises which support the conclusion. If these premises are not stated explicitly but are logically necessary to the rationality of the conclusion, we apply the Principle of _____________ and include the __________ premises.
What is Charitable Interpretation and Implicit?
500
I believe we can win the war against terrorism. My opponent thinks we can't win this war. He must believe there is no effective strategy for waging the war and that we will lose.
What is a Straw Man? The primary fallacy here is the probably unfair retelling of the oppositions position.
500
Most students go to college to imporve their job prospects. But the fact is that many areas of study - particulary the liberal arts - don't strike students as preparing them for a vocation. They fail to see that living a life enriched by ideas is a kind of vocation. So when they quit college to get a job they are making a big mistake.
What is Equivocation. This argument is playing fast and loose with the definition of "vocation" which originally mean a money-making opportunity and not a personal calling.
500
Professor Leone says that global warming is real so it must be; she's one smart and well educated woman.
What is an Appeal to an Inappropriate Authority? While Professor Leone is certainly "da bomb" ... she is not qualified to speak authoritatively on topics such as geophysics.
500
Tina has never had a teddy bear. A mother's love. A doll to cuddle. Tina knows nothing of these things. But she does know fear, rejection, and hunger. For just $15 a month, you can help save a child like Tina. Through our "adoption" program you can help provide a child with a better diet, clothes, medical attention, school and even a toy or two. But don't wait. There are so many in need; right now a child is dying form starvation and neglect.
What is wrong with you? This is an appropriate appeal to pity. Have you no heart??
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