Ethical Fallacies

Question 1

False Authority

Answer 1

asks audience to agree with the assertion of a writer based simply on his or her character or the authority of another person or institution who may not be fully qualified to offer that assertion

Question 2

Failing to Accept the Burden of Proof

Answer 2

the assertion of a claim without presenting a reasoned argument to offer that

–can apply to almost everything–

Question 3

Using Authority Instead of Evidence or Overreliance on Authority

Answer 3

occurs when someone offers personal authority as proof

Question 4

Guilt by Association

Answer 4

calls someone’s character into question by examining the character of the person’s associates (negatively)

Question 5

Dogmatism

Answer 5

shuts down the discussion by asserting that the writer’s beliefs are the only acceptable ones

Question 6

Ad Hominem

Answer 6

arguments attack a person’s character rather than that person’s reasoning

Question 7

Strawman

Answer 7

arguments set up and often dismantle easily refutable arguments in order to minsinterpret an opponent’s argument in order to defeat him or her

Question 8

Hasty Generalization or Sweeping Generalization

Answer 8

draws general and premature conclusions from scanty evidence