Lecture 12 : Argument Fallacies Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is a fallacy?
A mistaken belief, especially one based on an unsound argument. A failure in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.
Why is it important to know about fallacies?
To avoid accepting conclusions without good reason, to ensure arguments are grounded in solid reasoning, and to avoid using faulty reasoning in our own arguments.
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
An attack on the person rather than the argument.
Provide an example of ad hominem.
You can’t believe Jack when he says the proposed policy would help the economy. He doesn’t even have a job.
What is a straw man fallacy?
An attack on a weakened or distorted view of an argument.
Provide an example of a straw man.
Attacking evolutionary views by describing them as ‘the simple idea that we are all descended from monkeys’.
What is petitio principii?
Begging question / circular reasoning where the conclusion is assumed within one of the premises.
Provide an example of petitio principii.
Murder is morally wrong; therefore, active voluntary euthanasia is morally wrong.
What is ad ignorantium?
An appeal to ignorance where a position is supported by showing it has not been proven wrong.
Provide an example of ad ignorantium.
Since nobody has proven that aliens do not exist, they therefore must exist.
What is ad verecundiam?
An appeal to inappropriate authority, where unqualified authorities are cited.
Provide an example of ad verecundiam.
A medical doctor making a claim about evolutionary theory.
What is ad populum?
An appeal to general belief, relying on the popularity of a conclusion.
Provide an example of ad populum.
85% of humans believe in God.
What is a hasty generalization?
Generalizations based on insufficient data.
Provide an example of a hasty generalization.
Three of my five close female friends have not been faithful to their spouses, so most females are therefore unfaithful.
What is a false dilemma?
Stipulating only two alternatives in a given situation.
Provide an example of a false dilemma.
All moral principles are universal or no moral principles are universal.
Why is it helpful to know about argument fallacies?
To avoid them in your own arguments, to watch for them in others’ arguments, and to use them in evaluations of arguments.
