Problem 3 Flashcards
Fallacy
Refers to a defective pattern of arguing in an argument
ex.: mistakes in reasoning, creation of an illusion
‘it doesn’t follow’
Formal fallacy
Refers to a fallacy that may be identified merely by examining the form/structure of the argument
–> found exclusively in deductive arguments
Informal fallacy
Refers to a fallacy that may be identified merely by examining the content of the argument
Fallacies of relevance
Refers to fallacies where the connection between premise + conclusion is emotional
–> various form of emotional appeal
Appeal to force
Fallacy of relevance
Telling the opposing party that some harm will come if he/she doesn’t accept the conclusion
–> threat, agreeing because frightened doesn’t mean the argument is true
Appeal to pity
Fallacy of relevance
Involve evoking pity from the opposing party
–> agreeing due to compassion doesn’t make the argument true
Appeal to the people
Fallacy of relevance
Using peoples needs to be loved, esteemed + valued to accept a conclusion
–> direct vs indirect approach
a) Bandwagon argument
b) Appeal to vanity
c) Appeal to snobbery
Bandwagon argument
Suggesting that one will be left out of the group if you don’t agree
Appeal to vanity
Associating the product to someone who is admired
–> if you use it you will also be admired
Appeal to snobbery
Associating the product to someone who is rich
Argument against the person/ Ad hominem
Fallacy of relevance
a) abusive
- -> involves directing ones attention to the opposing party itself rather than the opposing party’s argument
b) circumstantial
- -> by alluding to certain circumstances that affect the opponent
c) tu quoque/you too
- -> hypocritical or arguing in bad faith by citing features in the life or behavior of the first arguer that conflict with the latter conclusion
Straw man
Fallacy of relevance
Distorting the opponents argument to attack it more easily
ex.:
A: This is the 3rd bowl of cereal you’re eating
B: Are you suggesting I’m fat ?!
Red Herring
Fallacy of relevance
Diverting the opponents attention to a slightly different but subtle related subject, by ignoring the opponents argument
–> then drawing the conclusion based on the different subject
Missing the point
Fallacy of relevance
When the premises of an argument support one particular conclusion, but then a different conclusion, only vaguley related to the correct conclusion is drawn
Fallacies of weak induction
Connection between premise + conclusion isn’t strong enough to support the conclusion
Appeal to unqualified authority
Fallacy of weak induction
Using a citation of an authority who lacks credibility
Appeal to ignorance
Fallacy of weak induction
Occurs when the premise of an argument states that it hasn’t been proved/no evidence for it
–> therefore one must conclude that it is BS
ex.: No evidence for astrology - so non-sense
Hasty generalizations
Fallacy of weak induction
Drawing a conclusion about all members of a group from evidence of one member of it
–> neither small nor large sample guarantees its typicality
Slippery slope
Fallacy od weak induction
Suggesting that the conclusion of an argument rests on an alleged chain reaction
BUT: there is no sufficient reason to think the chain reaction will actually take place
ex.: if you are willing to eat horse meat you will also eat hamsters and dogs
Weak analogy
Fallacy of weak induction
Occurs when the analogy isn’t strong enough to support the conclusion
ex.: can’t compare australia to switzerland
False cause
Fallacy of weak induction
Occurs when the link between the premise + conclusion is false/not related at all
–> premise doesn’t support the conclusion
ex.: Every time the team lost the cheerleaders wore black, should thus not wear black anymore
Fallacies of presumption
Occurs when the premise already presumes what they try to prove
Begging the question/Circular reasoning
Fallacy of presumption
Presuming that the premise provides adequate support for the conclusion, when they don’t
ex.: iPhone is the best smartphone because apple makes the best smartphones
False dichotomy
Fallacy of presumption
Refers to an “either .. or “ statement, suggesting only either option is available
–> when in fact others also may be or these 2 are even unlikely