Fallacies of Weak Induction and Relevance

Question 1

What is a weak induction fallacy?

Answer 1

A fallacy that undermines arguments by relying on insufficient or irrelevant evidence.

Weak induction fallacies can lead to erroneous conclusions in reasoning and debates.

Question 2

Define slippery slope fallacy.

Answer 2

Arguing that a relatively small step will inevitably lead to extreme outcomes.

Example: ‘Allowing children to stay home will lead to them skipping school every day.’

Question 3

What is hasty generalization?

Answer 3

Drawing broad conclusions from limited data.

Example: ‘Tried two seafood restaurants; they were both terrible; therefore, all seafood restaurants are bad.’

Question 4

Explain post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy.

Answer 4

Assuming causation from correlation.

Example: ‘After the flight attendant spilled a drink, the airline was deemed incompetent.’

Question 5

What does red herring refer to in argumentation?

Answer 5

Introducing irrelevant information to distract from the main issue.

Example: Changing the subject from homework to Halloween costumes.

Question 6

Why is it important to identify weak induction fallacies?

Answer 6

It helps in evaluating the strength of arguments.