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155 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What are the different kinds of fallacy? |
Formal Fallacy - identified by looking at the structure/form of an argument Informal Fallacy - identified by looking at the content of an argument. (for the purpose of this class there are 22 of these divided into 5 groups) |
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What are the 5 different groups of fallacies? |
Fallacies of Relevance Fallacies of Weak Induction Fallacies of Presumption Fallacies of Ambiguity Fallacies of Illicit Transference |
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How many types of Fallacies of Relevance are there and what are they? |
8 Argumentum ad Baculum Argumentum ad Mesericordiam Argumentum ad Populum Argumentum ad Hominem Accident Straw Man Ignoratio Elenchi Red Herring |
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How many types of Fallacies of Weak Induction are there and what are they? |
6 Argumentum ad Vercundiam Argumentum ad Ignorantiam Hasty Generalization False Cause Slippery Slope False Analogy/Weak Analogy |
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How many types of Fallacies of Presumption are there and what are they? |
4 Petitio Principii Complex Question False Dichotomy Suppressed Evidence |
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How many types of Fallacies of Ambiguity are there and what are they? |
2 Equivocation Amphiboly |
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How many types of Fallacies of Illicit Transference are there and what are they? |
2 Composition Division |
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Fallacies of Relevance |
-When premises are logically irrelevant to the conclusion.
-connection between premises and conclusions are emotional -to identify this fallacy, one must be able to distinguish between genuine evidence and various forms of emotional appeal - 8 OF THESE |
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Argumentum ad Baculum |
-"appeal to force" -committed when arguer tells listener that physical or psychological harm will come to listener if listener does not accept arguer's conclusion |
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Argumentum ad Misericordiam |
-"appeal to pity" -committed when the premises are intended to invoke pity or sympathy |
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Argumentum ad Populum |
-"appeals to people" by using the desires to be loved, admired, valued, recognized, and accepted by others -TWO VERSIONS: Direct - occurs when arguer, addressing a large group of people, excites the emotions and enthusiasm of the crowd to get them to accept his conclusion - mob mentality (politicians) - Appeal to Fear is one version of Direct Argumentum ad Populum Indirect - arguer aims his appeal not at the crowd as a whole but at one or more individuals separately, focusing on some aspect of those individuals' relationship to the crowd. (Advertisements use this a lot) FOUR VERSIONS OF THIS VERSION OF AD POPULUM 1. Bandwagon argument - Has this general structure: Everyone believes or does such-and-such; therefore, you should too. 2. appeal to vanity - links the love, admiration, or approval of the crowd with some famous figure who is loved, admired, or approved of. (Used by advertisers, parents, and people in general) 3. appeal to snobbery - arguer appeals to a smaller crowd that is supposed to be superior in some way - richer, more powerful, etc. 4. appeal to tradition - occurs when the arguer cites the fact that something has become a tradition as grounds for some conclusion. |
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Argumentum ad Hominem |
-"Argument/attack against the person" -2 arguers (A1 and A2): A1 is identified, A2 is not but commits this fallacy against A1 -THREE VERSIONS 1. ad hominem Abusive - A2 bad mouths/attacks A1 instead of focusing on the content of A1's argument 2. ad hominem circumstantial - A2 attempts to discredit A1's argument by alluding to certain circumstances that affect A1. In other words, by showing that A1 is biased. 3. ad hominem Tu Quoque - "you too", A2 attempts to make A1appear to be hypocritical or arguing in bad faith by citing features in the life or behavior of A1 that conflict with A1's conclusion. |
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Fallacy of Accident |
committed when a general rule/principle/practice is applied to a specific case/situation it was not intended to apply to |
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Straw Man Fallacy |
-2 arguers (A1 and A2) where A1 is identified and A2 is not but is the one that commits the fallacy (similar to ad hominem) - A1 states his claim/argument on an issue - A2 distorts the claim/argument of A1 - A2 discredits the distorted view of A1's argument - A2 claims A1's argument is no good/absurd |
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Ignoratio Elenchi |
- "missing the point" or "ignorance of the proof" - occurs when the premises entail one particular conclusion but the arguer instead draws a different conclusion, often vaguely related to the correct conclusion. |
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Red Herring Fallacy |
- closely related to ignoratio elenchi - occurs when arguer diverts the attention of the reader or listener by changing the subject to a different but sometimes subtly related one. Then arguer finishes by either drawing a conclusion about this different issue or by merely presuming that some conclusion has been established. |
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Fallacies of Weak Induction |
- occur not because the premises are logically irrelevant to the conclusion, but because the connection between premises and conclusion is not strong enough to support the conclusion. - SIX OF THESE |
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Argumentum ad Verecundiam |
- "appeal to unqualified authority" - occurs when the cited authority lacks credibility |
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Argumentum ad Ignorantiam |
- "appeal to ignorance" - when the premises of an argument state that nothing has been proved one way or the other about something, and the conclusion then makes a definite assertion about that thing - arguer is ignorant of the evidence that x is true so he concludes that x is false |
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Hasty Generalization |
- converse of accident fallacy - "some members of the class" (premise) "so all members of the class" (conclusion) |
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False Cause |
- arguer claims that "x" is the cause of "y" but in reality "x" isn't the cause of "y" - FOUR VERSIONS 1. Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc - "after this, therefore on account of this"; this version of false cause occurs when arguer says that just because one event precedes another event, the first event causes the second. 2. Non Causa Pro Causa - "not the cause for the cause"; when what is taken to be the cause of something is not really the cause at all and the mistake is based on something other than mere temporal succession 3. Oversimplified Cause - when a lot of causes are responsible for a certain effect but the arguer selects just one of these causes and represents it as if it were the sole cause. 4. Gambler's Fallacy - committed whenever the conclusion of an argument depends on the supposition that independent events in a game of chance (MUST HAVE A VERY CLEAR REFERENCE TO SOME GAME OF CHANCE) are causally related. |
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Slippery Slope |
- a variety of the false cause fallacy - occurs when the conclusion of an argument rests on an alleged chain reaction and there is not sufficient reason to think that the chain reaction will actually take place. |
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Weak Analogy |
- affects inductive arguments from analogy - committed when the analogy is not strong enough to support the conclusion that is drawn |
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Fallacies of Presumption |
- occur when the premises presume what they purport to prove |
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Petitio Principii |
- "begging the question" - committed in 3 ways 1. the most common way is by leaving a possibly false key premise out of the argument while creating the illusion that nothing more is needed to establish the conclusion. 2. when the conclusion of an argument merely restates a possibly false premise in slightly different language. 3. Involves circular reasoning in a chain of inferences having a first premise that is possibly false. |
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Complex Question |
- a question the arguer asks with the presumption of something about the person receiving the question. |
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False Dichotomy |
- "either-or" or "black and white" fallacy -committed when you find the words "either-or". If you don't see these words it isn't false dichotomy |
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Suppressed Evidence |
- when an inductive argument's premises do indeed ignore some important piece of evidence that outweighs the presented evidence and entails a very different conclusion. |
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Fallacies of ambiguity |
- arise from the occurrence of some form of ambiguity in either the premises or the conclusion (or both). |
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Equivocation |
- occurs when the conclusion of an argument depends on the fact that a word or phrase is used, either explicitly or implicitly, in two different senses in the argument. |
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Amphiboly |
- occurs when the arguer misinterprets an ambiguous statement and then draws a conclusion based on this faulty interpretation. - a defect in the overall syntax/structure of a statement |
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Fallacies of Illicit Transference |
- involve the incorrect transference of an attribute from the parts of something onto the whole, or from the whole onto the parts. |
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Composition |
- committed when the conclusion of an argument depends on the erroneous transference of an attribute from the parts of something onto the whole - "from parts to whole" - not to be confused with "hasty generalization" |
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Division |
- exact reverse of composition - committed when the conclusion of an argument depends on the erroneous transference of an attribute from a whole (or class) onto its parts (or members) - "from whole to parts" |
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Why is the following argument an informal fallacy? Renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman has said, "When it comes to vodka, Smirnoff plays second fiddle to none." We must therefore conclude that Smirnoff is the best vodka available. |
Because the argument made has nothing to do with what Pinchas is an expert on. |
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Child to playmate: Sesame Street is the best show on TV; and if you don’t believe it, I’m going to call my big brother over here and he’s going to beat you up. |
Argumentum ad Baculum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Secretary to boss: I deserve a raise in salary for the coming year. After all, you know how friendly I am with your wife, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want her to find out what’s been going on between you and that sexpot client of yours. |
Argumentum ad Baculum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Taxpayer to judge: Your Honor, I admit that I declared thirteen children as dependents on my tax return, even though I have only two. But if you find me guilty of tax evasion, my reputation will be ruined. I’ll probably lose my job, my poor wife will not be able to have the operation that she desperately needs, and my kids will starve. Surely I am not guilty. |
Argumentum ad Misericordiam, a fallacy of relevance |
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Everyone nowadays is on a low-carb diet. Therefore, you should go on a low-carb diet, too. |
bandwagon version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Practically everybody believes in life after death. Therefore, you should believe in life after death, too. |
bandwagon version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Of course you want to look as fresh and beautiful as Ellen DeGeneres. That means you will want to buy and use Cover Girl cosmetics. |
appeal to vanity version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Mother to child: You want to grow up and be just like Wonder Woman, don’t you? Then eat your liver and carrots. |
appeal to vanity version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Daniel Craig wears an Omega wristwatch. Thus, if you want to be like him, you will buy and wear an Omega watch, too. |
appeal to vanity version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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The Lexus 400 series is not for everyone. Only those with considerable means and accomplishment will acquire one. To show the world that you are among the select few, you will want to purchase and drive one of these distinguished automobiles. |
appeal to snobbery version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Traditionally, professional sporting events have been preceded by the national anthem. Therefore, professional sporting events should continue to be preceded by the national anthem. |
appeal to tradition version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Serving turkey on Thanksgiving Day is a long-standing tradition. Therefore, we should serve turkey next Thanksgiving Day. |
appeal to tradition version of the indirect approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Television entertainer Bill Maher argues that religion is just a lot of foolish nonsense. But Maher is an arrogant, shameless, self-righteous pig. Obviously his arguments are not worth listening to. |
ad hominem abusive version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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Secretary of State John Kerry argues that Israel should hold the line on new settlements in Palestine. But Kerry is not Jewish, and he has never had any great affection for Israel. Thus, his arguments are worthless. |
ad hominem abusive version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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The Dalai Lama argues that China has no business in Tibet and that the West should do something about it. But the Dalai Lama just wants the Chinese to leave so he can return as leader. Naturally he argues this way. Therefore, we should reject his arguments. |
ad hominem circumstantial version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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President Barack Obama argues that we should avoid eating junk food. But look at what he eats: greasy cheeseburgers, chili dogs, french fries, hot dogs, fried cheese puffs, sugary sodas, hot fudge sundaes, cheese steaks, and snow cones. Clearly, Obama’s arguments about food are not worth listening to. |
tu quoque version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, has kidnapped thousands of children from villages in central Africa, murdered their parents and relatives, and forced them into military service. He has also killed thousands of elephants and sold their ivory to fund his operation. Kony is therefore a thoroughly disgusting and despicable human being. |
No fallacy |
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Shakespeare cannot possibly have written the thirty-six plays attributed to him, because the real Shakespeare was a two-bit country businessman who barely finished the fourth grade in school and who never left the confines of his native England. |
no fallacy |
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Mickey has testified that he saw Freddy set fire to the building. But Mickey was recently convicted on ten counts of perjury, and he hates Freddy with a passion and would love to see him sent to jail. Therefore, you should not believe Mickey’s testimony. |
no fallacy |
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Freedom of speech is a constitutionally guaranteed right. Therefore, John Q. Radical should not be arrested for his speech that incited the riot last week. |
Accident, a fallacy of relevance |
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People are obligated to keep their promises. When Jessica married Tyler, she promised to stay with him for life. Therefore, she should stay with him now, even though he has become an abusive spouse addicted to gambling and drugs. |
Accident, a fallacy of relevance |
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Mr. Goldberg has argued against prayer in the public schools. Obviously Mr. Goldberg advocates atheism. But atheism is what they used to have in Russia. Atheism leads to the suppression of all religions and the replacement of God by an omnipotent state. Is that what we want for this country? I hardly think so. Clearly Mr. Goldberg’s argument is nonsense. |
straw man, a fallacy of relevance |
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The garment workers have signed a petition arguing for better ventilation on the work premises. Unfortunately, air-conditioning is expensive. Air ducts would have to be run throughout the factory, and a massive heat exchange unit installed on the roof. Also, the cost of operating such a system during the summer would be astronomical. In view of these considerations the petition must be rejected. |
straw man, a fallacy of relevance |
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The student status committee has presented us with an argument favoring alcohol privileges on campus. What do the students want? Is it their intention to stay boozed up from the day they enter as freshmen until the day they graduate? Do they expect us to open a bar for them? Or maybe a chain of bars all over campus? Such a proposal is ridiculous! |
straw man, a fallacy of relevance |
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Crimes of theft and robbery have been increasing at an alarming rate lately. The conclusion is obvious: We must reinstate the death penalty immediately. |
ignoratio elenchi, a fallacy of relevance |
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Abuse of the welfare system is rampant nowadays. Our only alternative is to abolish the system altogether. |
ignoratio elenchi, a fallacy of relevance |
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Environmentalists are continually harping about the dangers of nuclear power. Unfortunately, electricity is dangerous no matter where it comes from. Every year hundreds of people are electrocuted by accident. Since most of these accidents are caused by carelessness, they could be avoided if people would just exercise greater caution. |
red herring, a fallacy of relevance |
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There is a good deal of talk these days about the need to eliminate pesticides from our fruits and vegetables. But many of these foods are essential to our health. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, broccoli is rich in iron, and oranges and grapefruit have lots of vitamin C. |
red herring, a fallacy of relevance |
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Professor Conway complains of inadequate parking on our campus. But did you know that last year Conway carried on a torrid love affair with a member of the English Department? The two used to meet every day for clandestine sex in the copier room. Apparently they didn’t realize how much you can see through that fogged glass window. Even the students got an eyeful. Enough said about Conway. |
red herring, a fallacy of relevance |
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The position open in the accounting department should be given to Frank Thompson. Frank has six hungry children to feed, and his wife desperately needs an operation to save her eyesight. |
ad misericordiam, a fallacy of relevance |
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Erica Evans, who takes orders at the local Taco Bell, argues persuasively in favor of increasing the minimum wage. But this is exactly what you would ex-pect. Erica is paid the minimum wage, and if the minimum wage is increased, then her own salary will go up. Obviously Erica’s arguments are worthless. |
ad hominem circumstantial version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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The school board argues that our schools are in desperate need of repair. But the real reason our students are falling behind is that they spend too much time on their smartphones. Becoming educated means a lot more than learn-ing how to scroll up and down. The school board should send a letter to the parents urging them to confiscate their kids’ smartphones. |
red herring, a fallacy of relevance |
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Whoever thrusts a knife into another person should be arrested. But surgeons do precisely this when operating. Therefore, surgeons should be arrested. |
accident, a fallacy of relevance |
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Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy is not worth the paper it’s printed on. Nietzsche was an immoral reprobate who went completely insane from syphilis before he died. |
ad hominem abusive version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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Professor Pearson’s arguments in favor of the theory of evolution should be discounted. Pearson is a cocaine-snorting sex pervert and, according to some reports, a member of the Communist Party. |
ad hominem abusive version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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Surely you welcome the opportunity to join our protective organization. Think of all the money you will lose from broken windows, overturned trucks, and damaged merchandise in the event of your not joining. |
argumentum ad baculum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Senator Barrow advocates increased Social Security benefits for the poor. It is regrettable that the senator finds it necessary to advocate socialism. Socialism defeats initiative, takes away promised rewards, and leads directly to inefficiency and big government. It was tried for years in Eastern Europe, and it failed miserably. Clearly, socialism is no good. |
straw man, a fallacy of relevance |
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Something is seriously wrong with high school education these days. After ten years of decline, SAT scores are still extremely low, and high school graduates are practically incapable of reading and writing. The obvious conclusion is that we should close the schools. |
ignoratio elenchi, a fallacy of relevance |
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Ladies and gentlemen, today the lines of battle have been drawn. When the din of clashing armor has finally died away, the Republican party will emerge victo-rious! We are the true party of the American people! We embody the values that all real Americans hold sacred! We cherish and protect our founding fathers’ vision that gave birth to the Constitution! We stand for decency and righteous-ness; for self-determination and the liberty to conduct our affairs as each of us freely chooses! In the coming election, victory will be ours, so help us God! |
direct approach for argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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We’ve all heard the argument that too much television is the reason our students can’t read and write. Yet many of today’s TV shows are excellent. Grey’s Anatomy unveils the personal lives of interns at an urban hospital, The Big Bang Theory offers lots of laughs, and American Idol uncovers hidden musical talent. Today’s TV is just great! |
red herring, a fallacy of relevance |
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Surely architect Norris is not responsible for the collapse of the Central Bank ower. Norris has had nothing but trouble lately. His daughter eloped with a child molester, his son committed suicide, and his alcoholic wife recently left for Las Vegas with his retirement savings. |
argumentum ad misericordiam, a fallacy of relevance |
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The First Amendment to the Constitution prevents the government from interfering with the free exercise of religion. he liturgical practice of the Religion of Internal Enlightenment involves human sacrifice. Therefore, it would be wrong for the government to interfere with this religious practice. |
accident, a fallacy of relevance |
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TV commentator Larry Kudlow argues that government should get off the back of the American businessman. Obviously, Kudlow wants to abolish government altogether. Yet without government there would be no defense, no judicial system, no Social Security, and no health and safety regulations. None of us wants to forgo these benefits. Thus, we can see that Kudlow’s argument is absurd. |
straw man, a fallacy of relevance |
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I know that some of you oppose the appointment of David Cole as the new sales manager. On further consideration, however, I am confident you will find him well qualified for the job. If Cole is not appointed, it may become necessary to make severe personnel cutbacks in your department. |
argumentum ad baculum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Animal rights activists say that animals are abused in biomedical research labs. But consider this: Pets are abused by their owners every day. Probably 25 percent of pet owners should never get near animals. Some cases of abuse are enough to make you sick. |
red herring, a fallacy of relevance |
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Of course you want to buy a pair of Slinky fashion jeans. Slinky jeans really show off your figure, and all the Hollywood starlets down on the Strip can be seen wearing them these days. |
appeal to vanity version of the indirect approach to argumentum ad populum, a fallacy of relevance |
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Film star Catherine Zeta-Jones says on TV that T-Mobile provides the cover-age you need at the price you want. But this is exactly what you would expect given that T-Mobile pays her millions of dollars to make these ads. Thus, you shouldn’t take her testimonials too seriously. |
ad hominem circumstantial version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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Dr. Morrison has argued that smoking is responsible for the majority of health problems in this country and that every smoker who has even the slightest concern for his or her health should quit. Unfortunately, however, we must consign Dr. Morrison’s argument to the trash bin. Only yesterday I saw none other than Dr. Morrison himself smoking a cigar. |
tu quoque version of argumentum ad hominem, a fallacy of relevance |
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Dr. Bradshaw, our family physician, has stated that the creation of muonic atoms of deu-terium and tritium hold the key to producing a sustained nuclear fusion reaction at room temperature. In view of Dr. Bradshaw’s expertise as a physician, we must conclude that this is indeed true. |
Argumentum ad verecundiam, a fallacy of weak induction |
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David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, has stated, “Jews are not good Americans. They have no understanding of what America is.” On the basis of Duke’s authority, we must therefore conclude that the Jews in this country are un-American. |
Argumentum ad verecundiam, a fallacy of weak induction |
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James W. Johnston, former Chairman of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, testified before Congress that tobacco is not an addictive substance and that smoking cigarettes does not produce any addiction. Therefore, we should believe him and conclude that smoking does not in fact lead to any addiction. |
Argumentum ad verecundiam, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Old Mrs. Furguson (who is practically blind) has testified that she saw the defendant stab the victim with a bayonet while she was standing in the twilight shadows 100 yards from the incident. Therefore, members of the jury, you must find the defendant guilty. |
Argumentum ad verecundiam, a fallacy of weak induction |
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The county tax collector issued a press release stating that property tax revenues are higher this year than last. Therefore, we conclude that these revenues are indeed higher this year. |
No fallacy |
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People have been trying for centuries to provide conclusive evidence for the claims of astrology, and no one has ever succeeded. Therefore, we must conclude that astrology is a lot of nonsense. |
Argumentum ad Ignorantiam, a fallacy of weak induction |
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People have been trying for centuries to disprove the claims of astrology, and no one has ever succeeded. Therefore, we must conclude that the claims of astrology are true. |
Argumentum ad Ignorantiam, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Today’s money managers are a pack of thieves, every last one of them. Look at Bernie Madoff and Robert Allen Stanford. They ripped off billions of dollars from thousands of trusting clients. And Raj Rajaratnam profited to the tune of millions of dollars through illegal insider trading. |
hasty generalization, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Before the last presidential election, three residents of Harlem were quoted as saying they supported Barack Obama even though they knew nothing about his policies. Obviously the issues played no role in the outcome of that election. |
hasty generalization, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Ten milligrams of substance Z was fed to four mice, and within two minutes all four went into shock and died. Probably substance Z, in this amount, is fatal to mice in general. |
no fallacy |
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On three separate occasions I drank a bottle of Figowitz beer and found it flat and bitter. Probably I would find every bottle of Figowitz beer flat and bitter. |
no fallacy |
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One hundred thousand voters from Orange County, California, were surveyed on their choice for governor, and 68 percent said they intend to vote for the Republican candi-date. Clearly the Republican candidate will be elected. |
hasty generalization, a fallacy of weak induction |
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During the past two months, every time that the cheerleaders have worn blue ribbons in their hair, the basketball team has been defeated. Therefore, to prevent defeats in the future, the cheerleaders should get rid of those blue ribbons. |
post hoc ergo propter hoc version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Successful business executives are paid salaries in excess of $100,000. Therefore, the best way to ensure that Ferguson will become a successful executive is to raise his salary to at least $100,000. |
non causa pro causa version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
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There are more laws on the books today than ever before, and more crimes are being committed than ever before. Therefore, to reduce crime we must eliminate the laws. |
oversimplified cause version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
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The quality of education in our grade schools and high schools has been declining for years. Clearly, our teachers just aren’t doing their job these days. |
oversimplified cause version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Today, all of us can look forward to a longer life span than our parents and grandparents. Obviously we owe our thanks to the millions of dedicated doctors who expend every effort to ensure our health. |
oversimplified cause version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
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A fair coin was flipped five times in a row, and each time it came up heads. Therefore, it is extremely likely that it will come up tails on the next flip. |
gambler's fallacy version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Immediate steps should be taken to outlaw pornography once and for all. The continued manufacture and sale of pornographic material will almost certainly lead to an increase in sex-related crimes such as rape and incest. This in turn will gradually erode the moral fabric of society and result in an increase in crimes of all sorts. Eventually a complete disintegration of law and order will occur, leading in the end to the total collapse of civilization. |
slippery slope, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Attempts to outlaw pornography threaten basic civil rights and should be summarily abandoned. If pornography is outlawed, censorship of newspapers and news magazines is only a short step away. After that there will be censorship of textbooks, political speeches, and the content of lectures delivered by university professors. Complete mind control by the central government will be the inevitable result. |
slippery slope, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Amber’s dog is similar in many ways to Kyle’s cat. Both like being petted, they enjoy being around people, they beg for food at the dinner table, and they sleep with their owners. Amber’s dog loves to romp on the beach with Amber. Therefore, Kyle’s cat probably loves to romp on the beach with Kyle. |
weak analogy, a fallacy of weak induction |
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The flow of electricity through a wire is similar to the flow of water through a pipe. Obviously a large-diameter pipe will carry a greater flow of water than a pipe of small diameter. Therefore, a large-diameter wire should carry a greater flow of electricity than a small-diameter wire. |
no fallacy |
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The flow of electricity through a wire is similar to the flow of water through a pipe. When water runs downhill through a pipe, the pressure at the bottom of the hill is greater than it is at the top. Thus, when electricity flows downhill through a wire, the voltage should be greater at the bottom of the hill than at the top. |
weak analogy, a fallacy of weak induction |
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Murder is morally wrong. This being the case, it follows that abortion is morally wrong. |
leaving out a shaky key premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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We know that humans are intended to eat lots of fruit because the human hand and arm are perfectly suited for picking fruit from a tree. |
leaving out a shaky key premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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It’s obvious that the poor in this country should be given handouts from the government. After all, these people earn less than the average citizen. |
leaving out a shaky key premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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Clearly, terminally ill patients have a right to doctor-assisted suicide. After all, many of these people are unable to commit suicide by themselves. |
leaving out a shaky key premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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The world in which we live displays an amazing degree of organization. Obviously this world was created by an intelligent God. |
leaving out a shaky key premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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Capital punishment is justified for the crimes of murder and kidnapping because it is quite legitimate and appropriate that someone be put to death for having committed such hateful and inhuman acts. |
conclusion restates a false premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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Anyone who preaches revolution has a vision of the future for the simple reason that if a person has no vision of the future he could not possibly preach revolution. |
conclusion restates a false premise version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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Verizon has the best wireless service. After all, their phones have the clearest sound. And we know this is so because customers hear better on Verizon phones. And this follows from the fact that Verizon has digital technology. But this is exactly what you would expect given that Verizon has the best wireless service. |
circular reasoning version of petitio principii, a fallacy of presumption |
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No dogs are cats.Therefore, no cats are dogs. |
no fallacy |
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London is in England and Paris is in France.Therefore, Paris is in France and London is in England. |
no fallacy |
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Rome is in Germany or Rome is in Germany.Therefore, Rome is in Germany. |
no fallacy |
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Are you going to be a good little boy and eat your hamburger? Is George Hendrix still telling lies? How long must I put up with your snotty behavior? When are you going to stop talking nonsense? Have you stopped cheating on exams? Where did you hide the marijuana you were smoking? |
complex questions, a fallacy of presumption |
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Either you let me attend the Lady Gaga concert or I’ll be miserable for the rest of my life. I know you don’t want me to be miserable for the rest of my life, so it follows that you’ll let me attend the concert. |
false dichotomy, a fallacy of presumption |
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Either you use Ultra Guard deodorant or you risk the chance of perspiration odor. Surely you don’t want to risk the chance of perspiration odor. Therefore, you will want to use Ultra Guard deodorant. |
false dichotomy, a fallacy of presumption |
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Either we adopt a one-world government, or regional wars will continue forever. We certainly can’t tolerate constant war. Therefore, we must adopt a one-world government. |
false dichotomy, a fallacy of presumption |
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Either Seattle is in Washington, or it is in Oregon.Seattle is not in Oregon.Therefore, Seattle is in Washington |
no fallacy |
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Most dogs are friendly and pose no threat to people who pet them. Therefore, it would be safe to pet the little dog that is approaching us now. |
suppressed evidence, a fallacy of presumption |
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The ad for Kentucky Fried Chicken says, “Buy a bucket of chicken and have a barrel of fun!” Therefore, if we buy a bucket of that chicken, we will be guaranteed to have lots of fun. |
suppressed evidence, a fallacy of presumption |
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Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Smith has supported policies that will bankrupt Medicare and Social Security, his budgetary recommendations increase the federal deficit, and his approach to foreign policy will destabilize the Middle East. Therefore, you should vote to elect Jones to this office. |
suppressed evidence, a fallacy of presumption |
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The U.S. military has fewer battleships, M1 rifles, and horse-drawn howitzers today than it did in 1940. Therefore, the U.S. military is a less effective fighting force today than it was in 1940. |
suppressed evidence, a fallacy of presumption |
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The Second Amendment to the Constitution states that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. But a law controlling handguns would infringe the right to keep and bear arms. Therefore, a law controlling handguns would be unconstitutional. |
suppressed evidence, a fallacy of presumption |
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Some triangles are obtuse. Whatever is obtuse is ignorant. Therefore, some triangles are ignorant. |
equivocation, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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Any law can be repealed by the legislative authority. But the law of gravity is a law. Therefore, the law of gravity can be repealed by the legislative authority. |
equivocation, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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We have a duty to do what is right. We have a right to speak out in defense of the in-nocent. Therefore, we have a duty to speak out in defense of the innocent. |
equivocation, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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A mouse is an animal. Therefore, a large mouse is a large animal. |
equivocation, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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The tour guide said that standing in Greenwich Village, the Empire State Building could easily be seen. It follows that the Empire State Building is in Greenwich Village. |
amphiboly, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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John told Henry that he had made a mistake. It follows that John has at least the courage to admit his own mistakes. |
amphiboly, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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Professor Johnson said that he will give a lecture about heart failure in the biology lec-ture hall. It must be the case that a number of heart failures have occurred there recently. |
amphiboly, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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Mrs. Hart stated in her will, “I leave my 500-carat diamond necklace and my pet chinchilla to Alice and Theresa.” Therefore, we conclude that Alice gets the necklace and Theresa gets the chinchilla. |
amphiboly, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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Mr. James signed a contract that reads, “In exchange for painting my house, I promise to pay David $5,000 and give him my new Cadillac only if he finishes the job by May 1.” Therefore, since David did not finish until May 10, it follows that he gets neither the $5,000 nor the Cadillac. |
amphiboly, a fallacy of ambiguity |
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The Great Western Cookbook recommends that we serve the oysters when thoroughly stewed. Apparently the delicate flavor is enhanced by the intoxicated condition of the diners. |
equivocation AND amphiboly, fallacies of ambiguity |
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Maria likes anchovies. She also likes chocolate ice cream. Therefore, it is certain that she would like a chocolate sundae topped with anchovies. |
composition, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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Each player on this basketball team is an excellent athlete. Therefore, the team as a whole is excellent. |
composition, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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Each atom in this teacup is invisible. Therefore, this teacup is invisible. |
composition, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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Sodium and chlorine, the atomic components of salt, are both deadly poisons. Therefore, salt is a deadly poison. |
composition, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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Every atom in this teacup has mass. Therefore, this teacup has mass. |
no fallacy |
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Every component in this picket fence is white. Therefore, the whole fence is white. |
no fallacy |
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Less fuel is consumed by a car than by a fire truck. Therefore, less fuel is consumed in the United States by cars than by fire trucks. |
composition, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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Salt is a nonpoisonous compound. Therefore, its component elements, sodium and chlorine, are nonpoisonous. |
division, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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This airplane was made in Seattle. Therefore, every component part of this airplane was made in Seattle. |
division, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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The Royal Society is over 300 years old. Professor Thompson is a member of the Royal Society. Therefore, Professor Thompson is over 300 years old. |
division, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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This teacup has mass. Therefore, the atoms that compose this teacup have mass. |
no fallacy |
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This field of poppies is uniformly orange. Therefore, the individual poppies are orange. |
no fallacy |
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Stanley Steamers have almost disappeared.This car is a Stanley Steamer.Therefore, this car has almost disappeared. |
division, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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The average American family has 2.5 children.The Jones family is an average American family.Therefore, the Jones family has 2.5 children. |
division, a fallacy of illicit transference |
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Why is the following statement false? The fallacy of equivocation arises from a syntactical defect in a statement. |
The fallacy of amphiboly arises from a syntactical defect in a statement. The fallacy of equivocation arises from the ambiguous use of a single word or phrase. |
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Why is the following statement false? The fallacy of amphiboly usually involves the ambiguous use of a single word. |
The fallacy of amphiboly arises from a syntactical defect in a statement. The fallacy of equivocation arises from the ambiguous use of a single word or phrase. |
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Why is the following statement false? The fallacy of composition always proceeds from whole to parts. |
Fallacy of composition proceeds from parts to whole. The fallacy of division proceeds from whole to parts. |
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Why is the following statement false? The fallacy of division always proceeds from parts to whole. |
Fallacy of composition proceeds from parts to whole. The fallacy of division proceeds from whole to parts. |
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Childhood obesity is a major problem these days. Obviously our public health officials have not been doing their job. |
oversimplified cause version of false cause, a fallacy of weak induction |
