Equivocation
Equivocation, a type of logical fallacy is considered formal or informal?
It is considered an informal fallacy.
What is flawed in the statement, “You either support this policy or you don’t care about the environment”?
It presents only two choices when, in reality, more nuanced positions exist.
What is misleading when someone says, “Why should we listen to her economic policies? She failed math in high school”?
It attacks the person’s character instead of addressing the argument or policies being discussed.
"The mayor argues for public transit, but he was caught using a private car last week."
Ad Hominem
What characters were in the second equivocation example?
Mr Clean and a Cat
What is the formula used in the equivocation slides?
x = y and y = z then z = x.
Explain why “If we don’t ban social media, society will be ruined” is an example of this fallacy.
It simplifies the issue by presenting only two extreme outcomes and ignores other possible solutions.
Explain why “Don’t trust his argument about climate change; he drives a gas-guzzling SUV” is an example of this fallacy.
It diverts from the actual argument by criticizing the speaker’s personal behavior instead.
"His opinion on social reform can't be trusted because he doesn't even have a degree."
Ad Hominem
What Inside Out character was used in the False Dilemma examples?
Joy.
Why is the statement “All trees have bark. Every dog barks. Therefore, dogs are trees” an example of a fallacy?
This is an example of taking two definitions of “bark” and treating them as equivalent to create a flawed argument.
Identify why “Either we cut education funding or the economy will collapse” is misleading.
It limits the choices to two extreme options, ignoring other possible economic strategies.
Why is “Her opinion on education doesn’t matter because she never went to college” a flawed way of dismissing her argument?
It undermines the argument by attacking the speaker’s credentials instead of evaluating the argument itself.
"You either support this policy or you don't care about the future of our country."
False Dilemma
What was the color of the first Ad Hominem slide?
Light pink.
The argument “Freedom of speech is a right; therefore, it is right to say whatever I want” uses this fallacy. Explain how.
It conflates the moral right to free speech with the idea that everything said is morally correct.
Why is “You’re either with us or against us” an example of this fallacy?
It forces an “either/or” situation, failing to consider neutral or alternative positions.
In a debate, a candidate says, “My opponent’s views on healthcare can’t be trusted because they were caught lying five years ago.” What is problematic about this?
It shifts the focus from the argument’s validity to unrelated personal attacks, distracting from the actual issue.
"If we don't ban cell phones in schools, students will never focus again."
False Dilemma
What was the third name listed in the first slide?
Isabella Caltagirone
What is misleading about the statement: “Science teaches us how things work. Religion is a belief system. Therefore, science disproves religion”?
It falsely equates “teaching how things work” with “disproving belief,” changing the meaning of “teaches” within the argument.
What is problematic about the claim, “We must choose between banning all cars or accepting the consequences of air pollution”?
It disregards middle-ground solutions like promoting clean energy vehicles, creating a false dilemma.
Why does the statement “He’s arguing for stricter laws, but he’s been arrested before, so his views are irrelevant” commit this fallacy?
It dismisses the argument based on the speaker’s past actions rather than addressing the content of the argument itself.
"The word 'theory' means a guess, so when scientists say 'theory of evolution, it's just a guess."
Equivocation
What color was in the background of cat Mr Clean?
Sky with clouds.