Logical Fallacies: Ad Hominem, Ad Populum & more

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Questions and Answers

Which logical fallacy involves attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself?

  • Faulty Analogy
  • Straw Man
  • Ad Populum
  • Ad Hominem (correct)

The 'ad populum' fallacy argues that a claim is true simply because many people believe it.

True (A)

What is the name of the logical fallacy that assumes one action will inevitably lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences?

slippery slope

The __________ fallacy involves drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence or a small sample size.

<p>hasty generalization</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each fallacy with its description:

<p>False Dichotomy = Presents only two options as possibilities when more exist. Poisoning the Well = Discredits an opponent before they can make their argument. Faulty Analogy = Compares two things that are not truly comparable. Straw Man = Misrepresents someone's argument to make it easier to attack.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which fallacy is committed when someone says, 'You are either with us, or you are against us'?

<p>False Dichotomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Poisoning the well is a fallacy that introduces an irrelevant topic into an argument to distract from the main issue.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of fallacy assumes that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second?

<p>faulty causality</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ___________ fallacy occurs when someone distorts or misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

<p>straw man</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies a 'Slippery Slope' fallacy?

<p>If we allow students to use calculators in class, they will never learn basic math skills. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using a faulty analogy is acceptable if the two things being compared have some superficial similarities.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between the ad hominem fallacy and the straw man fallacy.

<p>Ad hominem attacks the person making the argument, while straw man distorts the argument itself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assuming that because event A happened before event B, event A caused event B is an example of the __________ fallacy.

<p>faulty causality</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which fallacy involves trying to discredit a person’s claim by presenting adverse information about the person?

<p>Poisoning The Well (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An argument that many people believe something is true provides definitive proof that it is, in fact, true.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a logical fallacy?

<p>A flaw in reasoning that renders an argument invalid or unsound.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reducing the options for action to only two choices is an example of __________.

<p>false dichotomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these scenarios is an example of the 'Straw Man' fallacy?

<p>Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to refute. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 'hasty generalization' is acceptable if you lack the time to gather more evidence.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is a 'faulty analogy' used in an argument, and why is it considered a fallacy?

<p>It draws a comparison between two unrelated things to support a claim, but the comparison is flawed or irrelevant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ad Hominem Fallacy

Attacks the character of a person rather than the claim itself.

Ad Populum Fallacy

Asserts something is true because 'everyone's doing it,' relying on popularity instead of reason.

Slippery Slope Fallacy

Argues that one small action will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences.

Hasty Generalization

Forms a conclusion without considering all variables; jumping to conclusions based on limited evidence.

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False Dichotomy (Either-Or Fallacy)

Reduces options to only two choices, when more exist; an 'either-or' situation.

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Poisoning The Well

Discredits an opponent in advance to undermine their argument.

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Faulty Analogy

Makes an inaccurate comparison between two things.

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Faulty Causality

Assumes that because one event follows another, the first necessarily caused the second.

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Straw Man Fallacy

Misrepresents or exaggerates someone's position to make it easier to refute.

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Study Notes

  • A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that makes an argument sound convincing, even if it is not valid, and it can mislead people.

Ad Hominem

  • This fallacy attacks the character of a person instead of their claim.
  • Example: "You wouldn't understand this because you're stupid."

Ad Populum

  • This fallacy argues something is true because "everyone's doing it."
  • It removes reason and relies on popularity as justification.
  • Example: "Everyone texts while driving, so it must be okay."

Slippery Slope

  • This fallacy asserts that one small action will inevitably lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences.
  • Example: "Smoking marijuana will lead to other drugs and crime and ultimately to felony convictions."

Hasty Generalization

  • This fallacy involves "jumping to conclusions" based on limited evidence.
  • A speaker forms a conclusion without considering all variables.
  • Example: "All teenagers are irresponsible because I know a few who caused trouble."

False Dichotomy (Either-Or Fallacy)

  • This fallacy reduces options to only two choices.
  • It implies if one option is not chosen, the other must be.
  • Example: "Either you agree with me, or you hate me."

Poisoning The Well

  • This fallacy discredits an opponent or opposing view in advance.
  • Example: "Don't listen to him; he's known for making wild claims with no evidence."

Faulty Analogy

  • This fallacy makes an inaccurate comparison between objects or concepts.
  • Example: Comparing an earthquake to an economic crisis; both are damaging, but one is natural and the other is man-made.

Faulty Causality (Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc)

  • This fallacy assumes that because one event follows another, the first caused the second.
  • Example: "A murder at the rock concert was caused by violent song lyrics," when the real cause was an unrelated argument.

Straw Man

  • This fallacy refutes a distorted, exaggerated, or misrepresented version of someone's position.
  • Example: Sarah suggests a budget, and Mike responds, "So, you're calling me irresponsible? You think I can't manage money? Do you just not trust me?"

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