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Fallacies

Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

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Page 1: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies

Page 2: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies in Making a Case

• Fallacies of Relevance

• Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence

• Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Page 3: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

Irrelevant evidence is give to support the argument

Page 4: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

Appeal to Ignorance

Example:

Of course I believe in ESP. No one has ever demonstrated that it doesn’t exist.

Page 5: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

Appeal to Inappropriate Authority

Example:

Aldous Huxley, renowned author, wrote a book advocating that nearsightedness could be cured with eye exercises.

Page 6: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

Appeal to General Belief

Example:

We all know most people on welfare are just too lazy to work. We should start a program requiring those on welfare to provide community service to earn their money.

Page 7: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

Appeal to Popular Attitudes & Emotions

Example:

I’ll tell you why I believe we were right to go into Iraq. It’s because I love my country. If you love America, then you’d agree.

Page 8: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

Gambler’s Fallacy

Example:

The last ten flips have been tails, so heads should come up soon. We’d better bet all we have on heads.

Monty Hall problem

Page 9: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence

Arguments with premises that present relevant, but inadequate evidence to support a conclusion

Page 10: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence

False Cause (Post Hoc)

Example:

I wore this pair of socks for the last game, and we won, so the socks must have given me good luck.

Page 11: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence

Hasty Generalization

Example:

An accountant opens her own business. The first two clients lie about their income and she finds out. She concludes that most clients lie about their income.

Page 12: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Relevance

&

Inadequate Evidence

Page 13: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

After death experiences are a reality. Despite years of attempts at debunking, no one has ever been able to show that reports from beyond the grave are all due to error, deception, or simply wishful thinking.

Page 14: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

I’ve been feeding this slot machine for 20 minutes, and the person before me pumped in $200 with no payout. I’m due a hit any minute.

Page 15: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Nobody wants to say so in public, but we all know that immigrants don’t have as strong a commitment to this country as those of us who were born here.

Page 16: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

The Dallas group held a rain dance at the Turtle Creek fountain Sunday night, and the group leader, Debra Denton, claimed it got results. “It rained, didn’t it?” she asked.

Page 17: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Dr. R.J. Palmer, one of New York’s leading oral surgeons, has pointed out that evolution theory requires us to say that a species of reptile changed into a birdlike creature, so the whole absurd theory is mistaken. Dr. Palmer’s scientific assessment shows why it is that no reasonable person can be an evolutionist.

Page 18: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

You don’t have to be of noble birth to appreciate Cutty Sark Scotch Whiskey. All that is required is noble taste.

Page 19: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Americans reject gun control. A 2003 survey conducted at the National Hunting Association revealed that 71% of the 50 people interviewed are opposed to legal regulation, including the restriction of assault rifles.

Page 20: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Arguments that rely on some sort of illegitimate premise

Page 21: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

False Dilemma

Example:

Either you’re for us or against us. It is obvious that you aren’t for us, so you must be against us.

Page 22: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Loaded Question

Example:

Are you still beating your wife?

Page 23: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Begging the Question

Example:

James is a murderer because he wrongfully killed someone.

Page 24: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Slippery Slope

Example:

If we legalize marijuana, then next thing people will be shooting up heroine in every public bathroom.

Page 25: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Page 26: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Are women still discouraged from excelling in sports by a lack of financial or emotional support?

Page 27: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Once we adopt a policy of failing to enforce laws prohibiting littering, loitering, and panhandling, we might as well give up on enforcing the laws on assault, rape, and murder.

Page 28: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Adultery cannot be justified. The reason it can’t is simply that it is never acceptable for a married person to have sex with someone who is not his or her spouse.

Page 29: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

When can I make up the exam I missed?

Page 30: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

We can achieve peace in the Middle East either by negotiations or by war. Negotiations have led nowhere, so what is there left to do but send in troops?

Page 31: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

If we recognize Cuba diplomatically, then we will have to grant the same status to every country run by an anti-American dictator.

Page 32: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

The reason you can’t trust Roth is that he’s a liar, a fraud, and a deliberate deceiver.

Page 33: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Senator Anson voted against the proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting burning the America flag as a form of protest. A legislator must either support the amendment or support flag burners. Senator Anson has made his choice, and next November the voters will make theirs.

Page 34: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Why do the Democrats always want to raise taxes?

Page 35: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

Misdirection away from the main point, so the respondent doesn’t have to consider the legitimacy of the claim

Page 36: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

Against the Person (Ad Hominem)

Example:As a gay conservative, Andrew Sullivan can’t possibly have anything constructive to offer the right.

Page 37: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

You Too

Example:

• Brown: You are a cheat. You left half your income off your tax return last year.

• Smith: Big deal. You lied about deductions and had the nerve to claim your dog as a dependent.

Page 38: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

Pooh-Pooh

Example:

Mr. Paulson would basically pooh-pooh the subprime problems until major Wall Street powers got in trouble and then—presto—swing into action.

Page 39: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

Straw Man

Example:

The theory of evolution boils down to the idea that human beings are descended from apes.

Page 40: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

Loaded Words 

Example:Medical research on animals simply must be stopped at once. This torture of innocent creatures is morally indecency, not science.

Page 41: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacy of Response

Definitional Dodge

Example:

You’re not real fan of the Bengals because you don’t finish watching the games when they’re losing.

Yeah, well, only a real fan has season tickets. And since I have season tickets and you don’t, I’m the true fan.

Page 42: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Fallacies of Criticism

Page 43: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Jimmy Carter: The survival of the world depends on ending the cycle of nuclear arms development. That’s why it’s crucial for us to join with other nuclear states and sign the SALT II Treaty.

Ronald Reagan: Jimmy Carter says we should sign the SALT II Treaty because nobody will like us if we don’t.

Page 44: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

If you can’t come up with something besides the feminist cliché that our ad demeans women, I don’t see any reason to answer you.

Page 45: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Gloria’s views on fighting terrorism are wrong. Is she an intelligence expert? No. Someone with police experience? No. I tell you what she is, she’s a commercial baker. That’s right, a cookie maker!

Page 46: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

So I don’t want to see gays in public office, but you’ve got no room to object. You don’t want to see women get elected.

Page 47: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Senator Clemens says we should spend less on giving tax rebates to the rich and more on improving education. But this is just the same tired liberal cliché we’ve heard before—nothing worth taking seriously.

Page 48: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

Bob is as morally bankrupt as he is financially.

Page 49: Fallacies. Fallacies in Making a Case Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Inadequate Evidence Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption

You’ve never had a taste of beer because beer can’t be tasted in a sip.