Lesson 8: Logical Fallacies

Question 1

The presentation of reasons for a particular claim. It is composed of a premise.

Answer 1

Argument

Question 2

The truth of the premise is supposed to prove that the validity of the conclusion is certain

Answer 2

Deductive Argument

Question 3

The premise’s truth is supposed to prove that the truth of the conclusion is probably not false

Answer 3

Inductive Argument

Question 4

These are statements that express your reasons. This must be arranged in an appropriate way to support your conclusions.

Answer 4

Premise

Question 5

These are errors in reasoning or flawed arguments that lead to incorrect conclusions. They can be intentional or unintentional and can be found in various forms of communication.

Answer 5

Fallacies

Question 6

It is the process of thinking about something in a logical way to form a judgment. It involves drawing conclusions based on evidence and arguments.

Answer 6

Reasoning

Question 7

It is a logical process that moves from specific observations to general conclusions. It is often described as bottom-up logic. Conclusions drawn from inductive reasoning are probable, but not definitive

Answer 7

Inductive Reasoning

Question 8

It is a logical process that moves from general principles to specific conclusions. It is often described as top-down logic. If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true

Answer 8

Deductive Reasoning

Question 9

It refers to a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something. It’s a preconceived notion or belief that can influence judgment, decision-making, and behavior.

Answer 9

Bias

Question 10

Attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the argument itself.

Answer 10

Ad hominem

Question 11

Using threat of force or an undesirable even to advance an argument

Answer 11

Appeal to force

Question 12

Using emotion such as pity or sympathy

Answer 12

Appeal to Emotion

Question 13

The idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of people accept it

Answer 13

Appeal to the popular

Question 14

The idea is acceptable because it has been true for a long time

Answer 14

Appeal to traditon

Question 15

Assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also known as circular argument

Answer 15

Begging the question

Question 16

Assuming “cause-and-effect” relationship between unrelated events

Answer 16

Cause-and-Effect

Question 17

These fallacies are errors in reasoning due solely to an incorrect form or structure of argument

Answer 17

Formal

Question 18

These fallacies are also known as material fallacies; these are errors in reasoning solely due to an anomaly or defect in the content

Answer 18

Informal

Question 19

TYPE OF FALLACY

Errors in reasoning brought about by the occurrence of ambiguous terms whose meanings are confused in an argument.

Answer 19

Fallacies of Ambiguity

Question 20

TYPE OF FALLACY

Errors in reasoning brought about by the irrelevance of the premise or premises in the conclusion of an argument.

Answer 20

Fallacies of Relevance

Question 21

TYPE OF FALLACY

Error in reasoning is brought by the recurrence of complex or loaded expressions whose assumptions are questionable or have not yet been proven to be true.

Answer 21

Fallacies of Presumptions

Question 22

FALLACIES OF AMBIGUITY

Happens when a term or phrase employed in an argument has several meanings, and the view alternates between these meanings to provide the impression of coherence or support.

Answer 22

Equivocation

“The laws should be respected and obeyed. The law of gravity is a law. Therefore, the law of gravity should be respected and obeyed.”

Question 23

FALLACIES OF AMBIGUITY

When a person believes that what is true for the entire group or thing also holds true for each of its component pieces.

Answer 23

Division

“The soccer team is the best in the league. Therefore, each player on the team must be the best player in the league”

Question 24

FALLACIES OF AMBIGUITY

Happens when someone automatically thinks that what holds for one component must also have for the entire group or entity.

Answer 24

Composition

“Every part of the machine is light in weight, therefore the machine is light in weight.”

Question 25

**FALLACIES OF RELEVANCE** It uses the lack of evidence supporting one position to argue for the opposing position.

Answer 25

ARGUMENT FROM IGNORANCE ## Footnote "No one has proven that aliens don't exist, so they must exist.“

Question 26

**FALLACIES OF RELEVANCE** Happens when a person appeals to a figure of authority or an expert who does not have the necessary knowledge or credibility about the issue at hand.

Answer 26

Appeal to Inappropriate Authority ## Footnote "We should vote for the candidate whom our favorite basketball player endorses"

Question 27

**FALLACIES OF RELEVANCE** Attacks happen when a person reacts to an argument by criticizing the personality traits or character of the person presenting the idea rather than addressing the argument's main points.

Answer 27

Appeal to the Person (Ad Hominem) ## Footnote "You shouldn't believe in climate change because the scientist advocating for it is overweight"

Question 28

**FALLACIES OF RELEVANCE** Using emotional appeals to support an argument rather than relying on logic or facts, which frequently includes generating compassion or pity

Answer 28

Appeal to Pity (Ad Misericordiam) ## Footnote "This man certainly deserves a promotion, for he can hardly feed his starving family"

Question 29

**FALLACIES OF RELEVANCE** Happens when someone asserts that something is real or correct just because most people agree with it or find it popular.

Answer 29

Appeal to the Popular Will (Ad Populum) ## Footnote "We should drink this brand of beer, for it is the regular drink of successful men after a hard day’s work."

Question 30

**FALLACIES OF RELEVANCE** Depending on force or threats rather than reason or evidence to persuade someone to adopt a claim or opinion

Answer 30

Appeal to Force (Ad Baculum) ## Footnote "If you don't agree with my political views, I'll make sure you lose your job."

Question 31

**FALLACIES OF PRESUMPTION** Happens when a question is worded in a way that presumes a claim that hasn't been established or accepted, making it challenging for the reply to provide an answer without doing so.

Answer 31

Complex Question ## Footnote A lawyer who wants to establish that person A is beating his child asks this question: "Have you stopped beating your child?"

Question 32

**FALLACIES OF PRESUMPTION** Committed when it is considered that just because one event occurs after another, it must be the first event's responsibility

Answer 32

False Cause (Post Hoc) ## Footnote "Edgar Allan Poe’s literary genius must have been caused by drinking liquor, for it is said that before he would first drink some liquor."

Question 33

**FALLACIES OF PRESUMPTION** Arises when the premises implicitly presuppose the conclusion of an argument. It's a circular argument in which there is no fresh information provided and the thinking repeats itself.

Answer 33

Begging the Question (Circular Reasoning) ## Footnote "The soul is immortal, for it never dies."

Question 34

**FALLACIES OF PRESUMPTION** Happens when a general rule is used in a particular situation when it is either unsuitable or makes no sense.

Answer 34

Accidental Fallacy (Accidentum) ## Footnote "Speed limits are necessary for public safety. Therefore, we should apply a 55 mph speed limit to all ambulances.”

Question 35

**FALLACIES OF PRESUMPTION** When a judgment is reached based on insufficient or biased evidence. It entails drawing sweeping conclusions from a modest or unrepresentative sample.

Answer 35

Hasty Generalization ## Footnote "While running, Mario had a heart attack. Therefore, running is bad for the heart."