Argumentative Fallicies Flashcards
Hasty Generalization ; Definition
Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is too small). Stereotypes about people are a common example of the principle underlying hasty generalization.
Hasty Generalization ; Example and Analysis
“my roommate said her philosophy class was hard, and the one I’m in is hard too. All Philosophy classes must be hard!”
Two peoples experiences are, in this case, not enough on which to base a conclusion/argument.
Hasty Generalization ; Tip on how to avoid in your writing
Ask yourself what kind of “sample” you’re using: Are you relying on the opinions or experiences of just a few people, or your own experiences in just a few situations? If so, consider whether you need more evidence, or perhaps a less sweeping conclusion.
Post Hoc (False Cause) ; Definition
Assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B. Of course, sometimes one event really does cause another one that comes later - But sometimes two events that seem related in time aren’t really related in cause and effect. That is, correlation is’t the sometime as causation.
Post Hoc (False Cause) ; Example and Analysis
“President Jones raise the taxes, and then the violent crime rate went up. Jones is responsible for the tie in crime”
The increase in taxes might or might not be one factor in the rising crime rates, but the argument has not shown that one caused the other.
Post Hoc (False Cause) ; Tip on how to avoid in your writing
If you say that A causes B, you should have something more to say about how A cause B, rather than just because A came before B
Slippery Slope ; Definition
The arguer claims that a sort of chain reaction, Usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but there’s really not enough evidence for that assumption.
Slippery Slope ; Evidence and Analysis
“Animal experimentation reduces our respect for life. If we don’t respect life, we are likely to be more and more tolerant of violent acts like war and murder. Soon our society will become a battlefield in which everyone constantly fears for their lives. It will be the end of civilization.”
Yes animal experimentation may reduce our respect for life and maybe that can make us more tolerant to violent acts, but there is no relative evidence that it will lead to the end of civilization.
Slippery Slope ; Tip on how to avoid in your writing
Check your argument for chains of consequences, where if you say “if A then B, and if B, then C” and so forth. Make sure these chains are reasonable.
Weak Analogy ; Example and Analysis
“Guns are like hammers - they’re both tools with metal parts that could be used to kill someone. And yet it would be ridiculous to restrict the purchase of hammers - so restrictions on purchasing gun are equally ridiculous.”
While both guns and hammers share some similar features (metal, tool, can be used for violence), these features are not the ones at stake in deciding whether to restrict guns. Rather, we restrict guns because they can easily be used to kill large numbers of people from a distance.
Equivocation ; Example and Analysis
“Giving money to charity is the right thing to do. So charities have a right to our money.”
The equivocation here is on the word “right” : “right” can mean both something that is correct or good and something which someone has a claim.
Appeal to Authority ; Tip on how to avoid in your writing
There are two easy ways to avoid committing appeal to authority:
One, make sure that the authorities you cite are experts on the subject you’re discussing.
Two, rather than just saying _______ belives ____, so we should believe it too.” Try to explain the reasoning or evidence that the authority used to arrive at their opinion. That way, your readers have more to go on than a person’s reputation.
It also helps to choose authorities who are perceived as fairly neutral or reasonable, rather than people who will be perceived as biased
Ad Hominem tu Quoque ; Tip on how to avoid in your writing
Be sure to stay focused on your opponents’ reasoning, rather than on their personal character. (The exception of this is, of corse, if you are making an argument about someone’s character.)
Missing the Point ; Example
“The seriousness of a punishment should match the seriousness of the crime. Right now, the punishment for drunk driving may simply be a fine. But drunk driving is a very serious crime that can kill innocent people. So the death penalty should be the punishment for drunk driving.”
The argument actually supports several conclusions but it doesn’t support the claim that the death penalty, specifically, is warranted.
Missing the Point ; Tip on how to avoid in your writing
Separate you premises from your conclusion. Looking at the premises, ask yourself what conclusion an objective person would reach after reading them. Looking at your conclusion, ask yourself what kind of evidence would be required to support such a conclusion, and then see if you’ve actually given that evidence.
