Fallacies

Question 1

Illogical statements that sound reasonable or true but are actually deceptive and dishonest

Answer 1

Fallacies

Question 2

This fallacy assumes that a statement is true when it actually requires proof.

Answer 2

Begging the question

Question 3

The most basic instances of begging the question involve rephrasing. It estates the initial proposition in different ways.

Answer 3

Circular logic

Question 4

This fallacy occurs when a conclusion is reached on the basis of too little evidence

Answer 4

Jumping to a conclusion (sweeping generalization)

Question 5

This fallacy assumes that because two events occur close together in time, the first must be the cause of the second

Answer 5

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc (post hoc)

Question 6

This fallacy occurs when statistics are collected from a sample that is too small

Answer 6

Misleading statistics

Question 7

This fallacy occurs when the meaning of a key terms changes at some point of an argument.

Answer 7

Equivocation

Question 8

This fallacy occurs when a writer suggests that only two alternatives exist even though there may be others.

Answer 8

False dilemma (either/or fallacy)

Question 9

This fallacy occurs when a statement does not logically follow from a previous statement.

Answer 9

Non sequitur (It does not follow)

Question 10

In this fallacy there is an analogy that ignores important differences between the two things

Answer 10

Argument from analogy

Question 11

In this fallacy the person cited is not an authority on the subject

Answer 11

Appeal doubtful authority

Question 12

This fallacy tries to divert attention from the facts of an argument by attacking the motive or character of the person making the argument

Answer 12

Personal attack (argument ad hominem)

Question 13

This fallacy asserts that an opponents argument has no value because the opponent does not follow his or her own advice

Answer 13

You also (Tu quoque)

Question 14

This fallacy occurs when the focus of an argument is shifted to divert the audience from the actual issue

Answer 14

Red herring

Question 15

Unfair and shortsighted policies that limit free-trade are a threat to the American economy. Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 15

Begging the question

Question 16

The reason everyone wants the new Elmo doll is because it is the hottest toy of the season! Is an example of which fallacy?

Answer 16

Circular logic

Question 17

Because our son benefited from homeschooling, every school should be educated in this way. Is an example of which fallacy?

Answer 17

Jumping to conclusions

Question 18

Every time a Republican is elected president, recession follows. If we want to avoid another recession, we should elect a Democrat. Is an example of which fallacy?

Answer 18

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this)

Question 19

Women will never be competent firefighters; after all, 50% of the women in the city’s training program failed the exam. Is an example of which fallacy?

Answer 19

Misleading statistic

Question 20

As a human endeavor, computers are a praiseworthy and even remarkable accomplishment. But how human can we hope to be if we rely on computers to make a decision? Is an example of which fallacy?

Answer 20

Equivocation

Question 21

We must choose between life and death, between intervention and genocide. No one can be neutral on this issue. Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 21

False dilemma (either/or fallacy)

Question 22

Disarmament weakened the United States after World War I. Disarmament also weakened United States after the Vietnam war. For this reason, the city’s effort to make gun sales weaken the United States. Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 22

Non sequitur (it does not follow)

Question 23

Overcrowded conditions in some parts of our city have force people together like rats in a cage. Like rats, they will eventually turn on one another, fighting and killing until a balance is restored. It is therefore necessary that we vote to appropriate funds to build low-cost housing. Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 23

Argument from analogy

Question 24

The public should not take seriously Dr. Mason’s plan for improving county health services. He’s overweight and a smoker. Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 24

Personal attack (argument ad hominem)

Question 25

How can that judge favor stronger penalties for convicted drug dealers? During his confirmation hearings, he admitted smoking marijuana when he was in college. Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 25

You also (Tu Quoque)

Question 26

The mayor has proposed building a new sports stadium. How can he even considered allocating millions of dollars to this scheme when so many professional athletes are being paid such high salaries? Is an example of what fallacy?

Answer 26

Red herring