List 3 Flashcards
Ad Hominem Fallacy
Fallacy of logic where the person’s character/motive is attacked rather than their argument
Ad Populum Fallacy
Fallacy in logic in which the wide-spread occurrence of something is assumed to make it true or right
Appeal to Authority
citation of information from people recognized for their special knowledge of a subject for the purpose of strengthening a speaker/writer’s argument
argument (argumentation)
exploration of a problem by investigating all sides of it; persuasion through reason
begging the question
a logical fallacy in which a statement or claim is assumed to be true without evidence other than the statement or claim itself
Demeaning a teacher’s decision on grading by insulting her intelligence, e.g., “Well, it’s not
like you graduated from the best school so I can see why you wouldn’t know how to
properly grade a writing assignment.”
Ad Hominem Fallacy example
Black Panther must be a great movie! Mentalfloss.com says, “…record-breaking opening
weekend…top 20 highest-grossing movies of all time.”
Ad Populum Fallacy example
Dr. Oz, an American cardiothoracic surgeon, author, and television personality, went on
the Oprah Winfrey Network to speak about drinking green juices and shared his knowledge
of fibrous nutrition.
Appeal to Authority example
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune,
must be in want of a wife.” –Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (The argument presented
here may be that eligible bachelors seem to have no other worry in their life except looking
for beautiful partners.)
Argumentation example
- The Bible is the infallible word of God. 2. The Bible says that God exists. 3. Therefore,
God exists.
begging the question example
Chronological ordering
arrangement in which the order of things occur; may move from past to present or in reverse chronological order, from present to past
classification (as a means of ordering)
arrangement of objects according to class.
deduction (deductive reasoning)
form of reasoning that begins with a generalization, then applies that generalization to a specific case or cases; opposite to induction
digression
temporary departure from the main subject in speaking or writing
false dilemma
a Fallacy in which two choices are presented but more exist; usually characterized by “either this or that” language, but can also be characterized by omissions of choices
First, then, lastly
chronologically ordering example
Media classified as print, television, and radio
classification example
All objects made of iron rust. The hammer is made of iron. The hammer was left outside in
the rain; therefore, it rusted.
deduction example
The author was describing his parents when he began to reminisce about his childhood.
digression example
A father speaking to his son says, “Are you going to college and make something of
yourself, or are you going to end being an unemployable bum like me?” The dilemma is
the son’s supposed choice limitation: either he goes to college or he will be a bum. The
dilemma is false because the alternative of not going to college but still being
employable has not been considered.
false dilemma example
induction (inductive reasoning)
form of reasoning that goes from specific to generalization, opposite of deduction
Non Sequitur
a statement that doesn’t follow logically what preceded it
persuasion
taking a position solely for the purpose of getting others to accept that position; may appeal to emotion or reason
Post Hoc Fallacy
Fallacy in logic; occurs when writer assumes that an incident that precedes another is the cause of the second incident
syllogism
two statements or premises are made and a logical conclusion is drawn from them; a form of deductive reasoning
Major Premise: J and G Construction builds unsafe buildings.
Minor Premise: J and G Construction built the Tower hotel
Conclusion: The Tower Hotel is an unsafe building.
syllogism example
Governor Peterson began his first term in January. Three months later, the state
suffered severe economic depression. Therefore, Governor Peterson caused the state’s
depression.
Post Hoc Fallacy example
Everyone should convert to vegetarianism; otherwise, one hates animals.
Persuasion example
Kittens are cute. This is why we should all be Catholic. J (The second statement has no relevance to the first…it logically doesn’t follow.)
non sequitur example
Mrs. Stultz is a teacher. Mrs. Stultz likes cats. Therefore, all teachers like cats.
inductive reasoning example
