fallacy of presumption Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are Fallacies of Presumption?
Fallacies of Presumption are poor arguments because the premises themselves are problematic, sneaking in unwarranted assumptions and failing to provide good reasons for accepting the conclusion.
What are the three types of Fallacies of Presumption?
The three types are False Dilemma, Begging the Question, and Shifting the Burden of Proof.
What is a False Dilemma?
A False Dilemma presents an argument with only two choices when more options are available, misleadingly framing the situation.
Can you give an example of a False Dilemma?
An example is Dhruv saying, ‘Either you vote for President Jones or the whole country will fall into ruin.’ This ignores other possible choices.
What does Begging the Question mean?
Begging the Question means assuming the thing you’re supposed to be proving, effectively arguing in a circle.
Can you provide an example of Begging the Question?
Terry says, ‘I know the argument is strong because it’s not weak.’ This restates the premise without providing new information.
What is Shifting the Burden of Proof?
Shifting the Burden of Proof occurs when someone makes a claim and then demands that others prove it wrong instead of providing reasons to support it.
Can you give an example of Shifting the Burden of Proof?
An example is saying, ‘Cutting spending is the best strategy. Prove to me that it isn’t.’ This shifts the responsibility to others to disprove the claim.
What is the Fallacy Fallacy?
The Fallacy Fallacy occurs when one concludes that the opposite of another’s argument is true simply because that argument committed a fallacy.
Can you provide an example of the Fallacy Fallacy?
If Reeva responds to Adrian’s Hasty Generalization by saying, ‘Because Adrian committed a fallacy, the test is not hard,’ she commits the Fallacy Fallacy.
