Chapter 3: Argument And Fallacies

Question 1

As hominem

Answer 1

this fallacy refers to the specific diversionary tactic of switching the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the other speaker.

Question 2

Ad populum

Answer 2

This fallacy occurs when evidence boils down to “everybody’s doing it, so it must be a good thing to do.”
“Bandwagon”

Question 3

appeal to false authority

Answer 3

This fallacy occurs when someone who has no exper-

tise to speak on an issue is cited as an authority

Question 4

Argument

Answer 4

A process of reasoned inquiry; a persuasive discourse resulting in a
coherent and considered movement from a claim to a conclusion.

Question 5

Backing

Answer 5

In the Toulmin model, backing consists of further assurances or data
without which the assumption lacks authority.

Question 6

begging the question

Answer 6

A fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support

that is in doubt. It “begs” a question whether the support itself is sound.

Question 7

circular reasoning

Answer 7

A fallacy in which the writer repeats the claim as a way to
provide evidence.

Question 8

Claim

Answer 8

Also called an assertion or a proposition, a claim states the argument’s main idea or position. A claim differs from a topic or subject in that a claim has to be arguable.

Question 9

claim of fact

Answer 9

A claim of fact asserts that something is true or not true.

Question 10

Claim of policy

Answer 10

A claim of policy proposes a change.

Question 11

claim of value

Answer 11

A claim of value argues that something is good or bad, right or
wrong.

Question 12

classical oration

Answer 12

Five-part argument structure used by classical rhetori-
cians.

Question 13

Introduction

Answer 13

Introduces the reader to the subject under dicussion.

Question 14

Narration

Answer 14

Provides factual information and background mate- rial on the subject at hand or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing.

Question 15

confirmation

Answer 15

Usually the major part of the text, the confir- mation includes the proof needed to make the writer’s case.

Question 16

refutation

Answer 16

Addresses the counterargument. It is a bridge between the writer’s proof and conclusion.

Question 17

conclusion

Answer 17

Brings the essay to a satisfying close.

Question 18

Closed thesis

Answer 18

A closed thesis is a statement of the main idea of the argument
that also previews the major points the writer intends to make.

Question 19

deduction

Answer 19

a logical process whereby one reaches a conclusion by
starting with a general principle or universal truth (a major premise) and applying it to a specific case (a minor premise).

Question 20

False dilemma (either/or)

Answer 20

A fallacy in which the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices.

Question 21

faulty analogy

Answer 21

A fallacy that occurs when an analogy compares two things that are
not comparable.

Question 22

First-hand evidence

Answer 22

Evidence based on something the writer knows, whether

it’s from personal experience, observations, or general knowledge of events.

Question 23

hasty generalization

Answer 23

A fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because

of inadequate evidence.

Question 24

induction

Answer 24

a logical process whereby the writer reasons from particulars to universals, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called a generalization.

Question 25

Logical fallacy

Answer 25

potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument. They often arise from a failure to make a logical connection between the claim and the evidence used to support it.

Question 26

Open thesis

Answer 26

one that does not list all the points the writer intends to cover in an essay.

Question 27

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Answer 27

This fallacy is Latin for “after which therefore because of which,” meaning that it is incorrect to always claim that something is a cause just because it happened earlier.

Question 28

qualifier

Answer 28

In the Toulmin model, the qualifier uses words like usually, probably,
maybe, in most cases, and most likely to temper the claim, making it less abso- lute.

Question 29

quantitative evidence

Answer 29

includes things that can be measured, cited, counted, or otherwise represented in numbers — for instance, sta- tistics, surveys, polls, census information.

Question 30

Rebuttal

Answer 30

In the Toulmin model, a rebuttal gives voice to possible objections.

Question 31

Reservation

Answer 31

In the Toulmin model, a reservation explains the terms and condi-
tions necessitated by the qualifier.

Question 32

Rogerian Arguments

Answer 32

Developed by psychiatrist Carl Rogers, Rogerian arguments are based on the assumption that having a full understanding of an
opposing position is essential to responding to it persuasively and refuting it in a way that is accommodating rather than alienating.

Question 33

Second-hand evidence

Answer 33

Evidence that is accessed through research, reading, and

investigation. It includes factual and historical information, expert opinion, and quantitative data.

Question 34

Straw man

Answer 34

A fallacy that occurs when a speaker chooses a deliberately poor or
oversimplified example in order to ridicule and refute an idea.

Question 35

syllogism

Answer 35

A logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise to
reach a necessary conclusion.

Question 36

Toulmin model

Answer 36

An approach to analyzing and constructing arguments created
by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in his book The Uses of Argument
(1958).

Question 37

Warrant

Answer 37

In the Toulmin model, the warrant expresses the assumption necessar-
ily shared by the speaker and the audience.