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Questions and Answers
What is the primary issue with the traffic sign stating 'Slow Cattle Crossing' when emphasized as 'Slow cattle-crossing'?
What is the primary issue with the traffic sign stating 'Slow Cattle Crossing' when emphasized as 'Slow cattle-crossing'?
What fallacy is demonstrated by the phrase ‘For sale: convertible car by a teacher with a damaged top’?
What fallacy is demonstrated by the phrase ‘For sale: convertible car by a teacher with a damaged top’?
In the example 'Feathers are light; light comes from the sun; therefore, feathers come from the sun', which fallacy is being used?
In the example 'Feathers are light; light comes from the sun; therefore, feathers come from the sun', which fallacy is being used?
What does emotive language primarily aim to achieve in an argument?
What does emotive language primarily aim to achieve in an argument?
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The statement ‘No cat has nine tails; any cat has one tail more than no cat; therefore, any cat has ten tails’ is an example of what fallacy?
The statement ‘No cat has nine tails; any cat has one tail more than no cat; therefore, any cat has ten tails’ is an example of what fallacy?
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How does the sign 'Clean and decent dancing every night except Sunday' illustrate ambiguity?
How does the sign 'Clean and decent dancing every night except Sunday' illustrate ambiguity?
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Which of the following best describes amphibology?
Which of the following best describes amphibology?
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What is the rationale behind using equivocation in arguments?
What is the rationale behind using equivocation in arguments?
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What fallacy is committed when one draws a conclusion that does not logically follow from the premises?
What fallacy is committed when one draws a conclusion that does not logically follow from the premises?
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Which fallacy involves proving or disproving an irrelevant point instead of the intended argument?
Which fallacy involves proving or disproving an irrelevant point instead of the intended argument?
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What is an analogy in the context of arguments?
What is an analogy in the context of arguments?
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In the example of 'Dr. John Doe is a murderer since his patient died during surgery', which fallacy is depicted?
In the example of 'Dr. John Doe is a murderer since his patient died during surgery', which fallacy is depicted?
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Which scenario best exemplifies the fallacy of special pleading?
Which scenario best exemplifies the fallacy of special pleading?
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Which fallacy can be identified when stating 'A occurs, then B occurs, therefore A caused B'?
Which fallacy can be identified when stating 'A occurs, then B occurs, therefore A caused B'?
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What is a genetic error in argumentation?
What is a genetic error in argumentation?
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What is a defining characteristic of a Non Sequitur?
What is a defining characteristic of a Non Sequitur?
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Which example best illustrates the Fallacy of Irrelevance?
Which example best illustrates the Fallacy of Irrelevance?
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Which of the following represents the fallacy of misplaced authority?
Which of the following represents the fallacy of misplaced authority?
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Which statement is an example of the False Cause fallacy?
Which statement is an example of the False Cause fallacy?
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What fallacy might occur if one asserts that a statement is false because it was made by a discredited person?
What fallacy might occur if one asserts that a statement is false because it was made by a discredited person?
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What fallacy is represented by the erroneous assumption that 'men are human, Mary is human, therefore Mary is a man'?
What fallacy is represented by the erroneous assumption that 'men are human, Mary is human, therefore Mary is a man'?
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Which statement illustrates how an analogy can fail?
Which statement illustrates how an analogy can fail?
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What is an essential aspect of the special pleading fallacy?
What is an essential aspect of the special pleading fallacy?
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How does the misplaced authority fallacy mislead arguments?
How does the misplaced authority fallacy mislead arguments?
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What is the primary purpose of studying logical fallacies?
What is the primary purpose of studying logical fallacies?
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Which fallacy involves shifting emphasis or punctuation to alter meaning?
Which fallacy involves shifting emphasis or punctuation to alter meaning?
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Which statement about logical fallacies is true?
Which statement about logical fallacies is true?
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What is the main flaw in the reasoning that relies on an argument A supported by B, which in turn is supported by C, ultimately relying back on A?
What is the main flaw in the reasoning that relies on an argument A supported by B, which in turn is supported by C, ultimately relying back on A?
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What does the word 'fallacy' derive from?
What does the word 'fallacy' derive from?
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Which fallacy is exemplified when Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Doe all rely on each other's credibility without providing additional proof?
Which fallacy is exemplified when Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Doe all rely on each other's credibility without providing additional proof?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a type of linguistic fallacy?
Which of the following is NOT considered a type of linguistic fallacy?
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What is a characteristic of a slippery slope argument?
What is a characteristic of a slippery slope argument?
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What does 'intellectual kung-fu' refer to in the context of logical fallacies?
What does 'intellectual kung-fu' refer to in the context of logical fallacies?
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Which logical fallacy involves arguing that something is true simply because it is perceived as beneficial or good?
Which logical fallacy involves arguing that something is true simply because it is perceived as beneficial or good?
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Which option describes the use of language manipulation in logical fallacies?
Which option describes the use of language manipulation in logical fallacies?
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What does the 'straw man' fallacy involve?
What does the 'straw man' fallacy involve?
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Why might fallacies be appealing in arguments?
Why might fallacies be appealing in arguments?
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Which of the following is an example of the false dilemma fallacy?
Which of the following is an example of the false dilemma fallacy?
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What does 'poisoning the well' refer to in logical reasoning?
What does 'poisoning the well' refer to in logical reasoning?
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Which fallacy could be illustrated by the statement ‘If you don’t stop eating junk food, you’ll become unhealthy and eventually die’?
Which fallacy could be illustrated by the statement ‘If you don’t stop eating junk food, you’ll become unhealthy and eventually die’?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- A fallacy is an error in reasoning.
- These are flawed statements that often sound true.
- Logical fallacies are used to strengthen arguments, but can backfire if the reader detects them.
- The word "fallacy" comes from the Latin word "fallere" meaning "to deceive, to trip, to lead into error or to trick".
- It also derives from the Greek "phelos", meaning "deceitful".
- Most fallacies have their origin in Aristotle.
Why Study Logical Fallacies?
- Develop logical fallacy detection skills in your own writing, as well as others.
- Think of it as "intellectual kung-fu: the art of intellectual self-defense."
Types of Logical Fallacies
- Linguistic Fallacies
- Accent: Shifts emphasis or punctuation in a statement, altering its meaning (e.g., "Pardon impossible to be executed").
- Amphibology (Amphiboly): A statement with multiple interpretations due to ambiguous wording (e.g., "For sale: convertible car by a teacher with a damaged top").
- Equivocation: Uses the same term with different meanings in an argument (e.g., "Feathers are light, Light comes from the sun, Therefore, feathers come from the sun").
- Emotive Language and Ambiguity: Uses ill-defined or meaningless terms to incite emotional response (e.g., "Theft was not a criminal act in Sparta; consequently they did not encourage crime").
- Fallacies of Irrelevance (Argumentum ad Rem)
- Accident (dicto simpliciter or secundum quid): Applies a general rule to a specific case where it doesn't apply (e.g., "He who kills another person is a murderer... Therefore, a surgeon is a murderer").
- Fallacy of Irrelevance (ignoration elenchi): Proves or disproves the wrong point, ultimately avoiding the main issue (e.g., Instead of proving A, B is proved).
- Non Sequitor (Does Not Follow): The conclusion does not logically follow from the premises (e.g., Roses are red. Violets are blue. I love my teacher. My father has a horse.).
- False Cause (Post Hoc ergo propter hoc): Assumes that because one event precedes another, it is the cause (e.g., "It is evident that women should be elected to political office since government is similar to national housekeeping; and in this respect it is obvious that women have much more experience than men.").
- Special Pleading (Neglected Aspect): Presents only one side of the story to neglect facts that might favor the opposition (e.g., "Organized religion should be abolished on the grounds that it has incorporated masses of fables and superstitions...").
- Genetic Error: Assumes an argument is either proved or disproved based on its source (e.g., George Fox founded a religion. He became insane. The religion he founded must be false).
- Misplaced Authority: Cites an authority figure in a field where they are not competent (e.g., An individual who argues that God exists on the premise that Albert Einstein believed in God).
- Circular Reasoning or Begging the Question (Petitio Principi): Uses the conclusion to support the premise (e.g., Doorman: 'May I see your invitation?' Smith: 'I am very sorry, I mislaid mine; but Mr.Jones, who is standing beside me will vouch for me.').
More Fallacies
- Slippery Slope: Assumes a small step will lead to a chain of negative events (e.g., "If you don’t stop smoking, then you are going to start shooting heroin").
- Begging the question: A is true because A is true (e.g., "chocolate is healthy because it is good for you")
- Straw Man: Distorts or misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack (e.g., "How could he possibly cheat on his taxes? He’s such a great father!").
- Guilt by association: Creates a false correlation between two events (e.g., 9/11- Sandy Hook shooting).
- Faulty Cause/effect: Mistakenly assumes a causal relationship between events (e.g., "we’ve been in business 50 years – That makes us the best!).
- False needs: Creates a false sense of need to persuade (e.g., "If parents want intelligent children, they must buy Baby Mozart!").
- Either/Or fallacy – aka False Dilemma: Presents only two options when there are others (e.g., "You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem").
- Poisoning the Well: Presenting negative information about a person before they speak to discredit their argument (e.g., Do not trust him, he will just hurt you).
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Description
Dive into the world of logical fallacies to enhance your reasoning and argumentation skills. This quiz will cover various types of fallacies, their origins, and their implications in effective communication. Test your ability to identify these errors and strengthen your intellectual defenses.
