Logical Fallacies
(Definitions)
(Definitions)
An error in reasoning that draws a conclusion without sufficient evidence or a logical basis.
What is a logical fallacy?
“If we don’t punish witches now, the entire town will be destroyed.”
What is Scare Tactics?
The first step in conducting research.
What is starting with a research question?
This is the title of the play written by Arthur Miller.
What is The Crucible?
This theme focuses on how fear can cause people to abandon logic and truth.
What is fear vs. reason?
Jumping to a broad conclusion from too little evidence.
What is a hasty generalization?
“You’re either with the court or you’re against God.”
What is Either/Or?
Sources created during the time period being studied.
What are primary sources?
The play is set during this historical event in Salem, Massachusetts.
What are the Salem Witch Trials?
This theme explores how individuals are pressured to conform to the group.
What is conformity?
Using someone as an "expert" when they lack relevant qualifications.
What is an appeal to false authority?
“Everyone is accusing their neighbors, so it must be true.”
What is Bandwagon?
Sources that analyze or interpret primary sources.
What are secondary sources?
The belief system that strongly influenced Salem’s laws and trials.
What is Puritanism?
The play shows how accusations are used as this to gain influence or control.
What is power?
Assuming one event caused another simply because it happened first.
What is Faulty Causality?
Using emotional suffering to distract from a lack of evidence in court.
What is Sentimental Appeal?
One factor used to evaluate the reliability of a secondary source.
What is author expertise or use of strong evidence?
Arthur Miller wrote the play during this 1950s political movement.
What is McCarthyism / the Red Scare?
This theme examines the struggle between personal morals and public reputation.
What is integrity vs. reputation?
Attacking a person instead of addressing their argument.
What is Ad Hominem?
“If we let one witch go free, the entire town will be destroyed.”
What is Slippery Slope?
Why tertiary sources are useful during early research.
What is they provide quick background or overviews?
Miller used Salem as an allegory to criticize this dangerous social behavior.
What is mass hysteria fueled by fear?
Miller warns that when evidence is ignored, this replaces justice.
What is mob mentality?