Fallacies: Errors in Reasoning

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary problem with the argument that ignores other possible explanations?

It is a result of the fallacy of division

It is a result of the fallacy of composition

It fails to identify the other available alternatives (correct)

It is based on a fallacy of ambiguity

What type of fallacy occurs when a word is used differently in the same argument to mean different things?

Fallacy of division

Fallacy of ambiguity

Fallacy of composition

Fallacy of equivocation (correct)

What is the primary issue with the argument that 'death is the perfection of life because death is the end of life, and the end of a thing is its perfection'?

The argument is based on a fallacy of composition

The argument is based on a fallacy of equivocation (correct)

The argument is based on a false premise

The argument is based on a fallacy of division

What is an example of the fallacy of composition?

The argument that a whole set has or lacks a property because the various parts or members of that set have or lack that property Signup and view all the answers

What is the converse of the fallacy of composition?

Fallacy of division Signup and view all the answers

What is required to identify and resolve the problem with the argument that ignores other possible explanations?

To identify the other available alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with the argument that 'Chelsea Football Club is a brilliant team because the players that make up the squad are brilliant players'?

The argument is based on a fallacy of composition Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the fallacy of division?

The argument that the parts or individual members of a whole set have a property because the set itself has the property Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a fallacious argument?

Rejecting a claim because the person making it is a chauvinist Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fallacy that involves rejecting a claim because the person making it is guilty of the same act they argue against?

Tu quo que Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the circumstantial ad hominem fallacy?

Rejecting a claim because the person making it is a student who would benefit from it Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fallacy that involves rejecting a claim because the person making it belongs to a particular group or association?

Attacking affiliation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it a fallacy to reject a claim because the majority of people agree with it?

Because the majority may be misled or uninformed Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between an abusive ad hominem and a circumstantial ad hominem?

The focus of the attack Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to evaluate an argument based on its merits, rather than the characteristics of the person making the claim?

Because a good argument can be made by anyone, regardless of their character Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of understanding the different types of ad hominem fallacies?

To evaluate arguments based on their merits, rather than the characteristics of the person making the claim Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary association of fallacies?

Bad arguments whose premises do not establish their conclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a piece of reasoning containing a fallacy?

The argument is negatively impacted Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the premises of an argument distinctly from the conclusion?

To understand the relationship between the premises and the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of formal fallacies?

They are determinate and almost fully systematized Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a formal fallacy in an argument?

The argument is made invalid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for studying fallacies?

To personally avoid fallacious reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the common origin of fallacies?

Any of the provided options Signup and view all the answers

Can a piece of reasoning contain more than one fallacy?

Yes, it can contain multiple fallacies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of someone who commits the fallacy of diversion?

To distract the audience from the primary subject of the argument. Signup and view all the answers

In the dialogue between Alfred and Mary, what fallacy is Mary committing?

Red herring fallacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of committing the fallacy of diversion?

The discussion is dragged away from the original point of dispute. Signup and view all the answers

In the strawman fallacy, what is replaced with an exaggerated or distorted version?

The original argument Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of clarifying the presupposed belief or question?

To resolve the fallacy of diversion Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of committing the strawman fallacy?

The refuted argument is not the original argument. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the fallacy of presupposition?

An attorney asking a suspect if the murder weapon is still where the suspect left it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the fallacy of diversion and the fallacy of presupposition?

The fallacy of diversion involves distracting the audience, while the fallacy of presupposition involves assuming a presupposed belief. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why free education cannot be sustained by a nation's financial strength?

The statement does not provide a reason Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the fallacy of hedging?

Alfred's argument about Henry being selfish Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the fallacy committed by Alfred when he argues that John's case is an exception that proves the rule?

Exception that proves the rule Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Mary's argument about John's low grades?

To provide a counter-example to Alfred's claim Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of committing the fallacy of hedging?

It weakens the argument by making it appear inconsistent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the fallacy of hedging and the 'exception that proves the rule' fallacy?

One involves modifying claims, while the other involves misinterpreting exceptions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes