Chapter 3.2 Flashcards
Appeal to force
When an arguer poses a conclusion to another person and tells that person that some harm will be dealt to them
Child to playmate: Sesame Street is the best show on TV; and if you don’t believe it, I’m going to call my big brother over here and he’s going to beat you up.
Appeal to Pitty
When an arguer attempts to support a conclusion by evoking pity to the reader.
Taxpayer to judge: Your Honor, I admit that I declared thirteen children as dependents on my tax return, even though I have only two. But if you find me guilty of tax evasion, my reputation will be ruined. I’ll probably lose my job, my poor wife will not be able to have the operation that she desperately needs, and my kids will starve. Surely I am not guilty.
Appeal to people (Vanity)
Linking the love, admiration, or approval of the crowd with a famous figure who is loved, admired, or approved of. (Often used by advertisers)
Daniel Craig wears an Omega wristwatch. Thus, if you want to be like him, you will buy and wear an Omega watch, too.
Appeal to people (Snobbery)
When the arguer appeals to a smaller group that’s suppose to be ‘superior’ in some way.
The Lexus series is not for everyone. Only those with considerable means and accomplishment will acquire one. To show the world that you are among the select few, you will want to purchase and drive one of these distinguished automobiles.
Appeal to tradition
When an arguer cites the fact that something has become a tradition. (Because many people have done it before)
Serving turkey on Thanksgiving Day is a long-standing tradition. Therefore, we should serve turkey next Thanksgiving Day.
Argument against the person (Ad Hominem abusive)
‘abusing’ the author.
Television entertainer Bill Maher argues that religion is just a lot of foolish nonsense. But Maher is an arrogant, shameless, self-righteous pig. Obviously his arguments are not worth listening to.
Argument against the person (Ad hominem circumstantial)
The arguer attempts to discredit the opponent’s argument by alluding to certain circumstances that affect the opponent. (The WAY it is, makes it invalid)
Of course Mr. X argues this way; just look at the circumstances that affect him.”
Argument against the person (tu quoque) “You Too”
Attempting to make an argument to be hypocritical.
“How dare you argue that I should stop doing ; why, you do (or have done) yourself.”
Accident
- The general rule is cited (Implicitly/directly)
- Then Wrongly applied to the specific case mentioned in the conclusion
Freedom of speech is a constitutionally guaranteed right. Therefore, John Q. Radical should not be arrested for his speech that incited the riot last week.
Straw man
An attempt to make it look more extreme than it really is. (Building straw man, knocking it down, and ‘thinking’ it’s the same as the person)
Mr. Goldberg has argued against prayer in the public schools. Obviously Mr. Goldberg advocates atheism. But atheism is what they used to have in Russia. Atheism leads to the suppression of all religions and the replacement of God by an omnipotent state. Is that what we want for this country? I hardly think so. Clearly Mr. Goldberg’s argument is nonsense.
Missing the point
The premises of an argument support one particular conclusion, but a different conclusion is drawn.
Crimes of theft and robbery have been increasing at an alarming rate lately. The conclusion is obvious: We must reinstate the death penalty immediately.
Red Herring
When the arguer diverts the attention of the reader by chancing the subject to a different/subtly related one.
Environmentalists are continually harping about the dangers of nuclear power. Unfortunately, electricity is dangerous no matter where it comes from. Every year hundreds of people are electrocuted by accident. Since most of these accidents are caused by carelessness, they could be avoided if people would just exercise greater caution.
