Fallacies

Question 1

Slippery Slope

This is a conclusion based on the notion that if A happens, then eventually B,C…X,Y,Z will happen too, equating A to Z.

Answer 1

If we write too many essays in class, then my hand will cramp, I won’t be able to pitch in the big baseball game, the college of my choice will not give me the scholarship that I need, I’ll never get to go to college, and I will end up flipping burgers at McDonalds with my non-dominant hand! So, we shouldn’t write essays in class.

Question 2

Hasty Generalization

This is a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence.

Answer 2

It’s only the first day, and I can already tell this is going to be a boring class.

Question 3

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

This is a conclusion that assumes that if A occurred after B, then B must have caused A.

Answer 3

I drank bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick.

Question 4

Genetic Fallacy

A conclusion is based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth.

Answer 4

The volkswagen beetle is an evil car because it was originally designed by Hitler’s army.

Question 5

Circular Argument

This restates the argument rather than actually proving it.

Answer 5

Barack Obama is a good communicator because he speaks effectively.

Question 6

False Dilemma

This is a conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices.

Answer 6

We can either stop using cars or destroy the Earth.

Question 7

Ad Hominem

This is an attack on the character of a person rather than his/her opinions or arguments.

Answer 7

Green Peace’s strategies aren’t effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippies

Question 8

Ad populum

This is an emotional appeal that speaks to positive or negative concepts rather than the real issue at hand.

Answer 8

If you were a true American you would support the rights of people to choose whatever vehicle they want.

Question 9

Red Herring

This is a diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing them.

Answer 9

Levels of mercury isn seafood may be unsafe, but how will fishers support their families.

Question 10

Straw Man

This move oversimplifies an opponent’s viewpoint and then attacks that hollow argument.

Answer 10

Telling able-bodied citizens that it is okay to be a free-loader is socially irresponsible.

Question 11

Ad Misericordiam and Flattery

A.M is when the arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone.
Flattery takes place when the arguer tries to get people to accept their conclusion with compliments.

Answer 11

You can’t give us homework; may cat died last month! Have you no heart?
You should give me a good grade because you are the best teacher ever!