Logical Fallacies-(or where our logic falls apart)

By Tesslyn Mustain8th Grade RELA

Timberwood Middle School

Used to:• Sway opinions• Gain Support• Degrade (like in a political campaign)

An example of fallacies are the stories told by people who assume they are true, just because most people believe the stories to be true.

Definition: False ideas or beliefs that are based on unsound arguments.

Loaded Language/Appeal to Emotions

DEFINITION: Using words or phrases, that are intended to inspire emotion in the reader or listener.

PROBLEM: Derails an argument by getting the reader focused on emotion instead of facts.

EXAMPLES: The first term is an example of using loaded language: Bureaucrat vs. public servant Pro-death vs. pro-choice Regime vs. government Elitist vs. expert Put up with vs. tolerate At a loss vs. bewilder

Oversimplifying/Exaggerations

DEFINITION: To simplify to the point of distortion, or to ignore essential details.

PROBLEM: It is factually incorrect- or weak on facts; therfore the whole argument is weakened.

EXAMPLE:“People end up in jail because they are lazy or have weak morals.” This ignores the social influences, mental illness, and many other factors.

Slippery Slope

DEFINITION: If we allow A to happen, then Z will eventually happen too; therefore, A should not happen.

PROBLEM: it avoids engaging with the issue at hand, and instead shifts attention to extreme hypotheticals. No real proof is presented.

EXAMPLE:Colin Closet says that if we allow same-sex couples to marry, then the next thing we know we'll be allowing people to marry their parents, their cars and even monkeys.

Ad Hominem

DEFINITION: You attacked your opponent's character or personal traits in an attempt to undermine their argument.

PROBLEM: They attack somebody, or cast doubt on their character as a way to discredit their argument.

EXAMPLE: After Sally presents a solid case for a more fair tax system, Sam asks the audience whether we should believe anything from a woman who isn't married, was once arrested, and smells a bit weird.

Black or White

DEFINITION: You presented two alternatives as the only possibilities, when in fact more possibilities exist.

PROBLEM: This tactic looks like it’s making a logical argument, but instead there really are more possibilities than the either/or choice that is presented. It is misleading to the reader or listener.

EXAMPLE: While rallying support for his plan to undermine citizens' rights, the Supreme Leader told the people they were either “for me or against me”.

For more fallacies…

Visit this website:

https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/