Week 6 Flashcards
Analysis Unit
Critical Analysis
Does not mean “to always find fault,” but to reflect and discuss in a cogent and effective manner an informed understanding or evaluation of a topic or piece of writing (such as an article). It can include fault or weakness, but can also highlight/ underscore strengths and value(s). It’s about “awareness” as key to successful reading (or writing).
Logical Fallacies
Logical fallacies are “errors” of logic and reasoning—“evidence” presented to support claims/ arguments/ ideas, but in fact are actually non-supportive because of logical misuse. The following are the most commonly seen fallacies in arguments: Note: not all arguments have logical fallacies! The majority are well-crafted (reasonable) presentations. But here are ones commonly seen (and which erode quality of an argument).
Ad Hominem
(“To the person”). Character attacks. Deflects attention from real issues by attacking/criticizing the person rather than the argument itself. Cannot find means to attack the argument so they resort to “name-calling” or personal attacks of character. OR, they deliberately misdirect their argument by focusing attention to the quality of one’s character, rather than focusing on the issue itself. OR, are too ignorant/ immature to understand how to effectively challenge an argument or one’s perspective. Ex’s:
“[He] is nothing more than a self-absorbed fear-monger with a bad combover.”
“[She] doesn’t know what she’s talking about in her tacky skirts.”
“[They] should focus more on their double chin than their politics.”
Ad Populum
(“To the people”). Manipulates emotional responses in the audience based on awareness of symbols or values or ideas of particular importance to that group. Ex: “Western Canadians believe in real family values, so they don’t support the movement to legalize same-sex marriage.” (Quote by a Canadian politician—no longer in office)
Either/Or
(False opposites. Bogus claims. Either “this” happens or “X” will occur (which are unrelated). Ex’s. “If Mary doesn’t get a new car for graduation, she will never be able to function as a mature adult.”
“If we don’t win these hockey playoffs, we will never accomplish anything worthwhile in our lives.
Bandwagon Appeal
(Group think). Operates on inclusion, but also on exclusion. Desire often misrepresented as need. Plays on our urge to fit in, join the crowd (emotional appeal) Ex’s: “John has a pair of Nikes, Mom, so I have to have a pair also.”
“I need the newest smart phone because all my friends have it!”
Oversimplification
Faulty reasoning that reduces complex issues and situations to simple description and unidimensional conclusions (which can be irresponsible). Ex. “Stick to your diet and the rest of life’s problems will also melt away.” (From a “Jenny Craig” TV commercial)
Overgeneralization
Reducing the “one” as representative of “all.” It can be a “kind” of stereotyping, but stereotyping, specifically, is usually received (or can be applied) in a negative frame (though not always… depends on the context). But Overgeneralization is not necessarily meant to be negative as seen in below examples (but it can sometimes be perceived or read as such). Ex’s: “All Newfoundlanders talk fast.” OR “All British people are reserved.”
Red Herring
Used to deflect or divert attention from an issue the writer/speaker does not want examined. Writer often sweeps aside a whole array of complex issues. Ex: “Of course Native people were promised certain lands and payments, but wouldn’t they want to stand on
their own two feet?” (Quote by a Canadian politician, voted out of office shortly thereafter.)
Circular Arguments
Going nowhere/ in circles. Redundant arguments. All circular arguments wrongly presume that a premise/assertion – which has yet to be proven– can be treated as self-evident fact. Ex’s: Reality shows are terrible because they are awful.” (and therefore awful because they are terrible)
*I also saw a joke once on a T-shirt someone was wearing: “Department of Redundancy Departmen
False Analogy
An analogy is a way of comparing to provide context or clarification/ understanding. But a “false analogy” actually detracts because of either a disconnect, relevance, or inappropriateness. Analogy is non-supportive. Ex: “Students should be able to look at textbooks and notes during examinations. After all, surgeons have x-rays to guide them during an operation; carpenters reference blueprints during the building process, so
students should be able to consult textbooks and notes as well.” —false analogy because surgeons and carpenters are not being examined or evaluated on their knowledge, whereas students are. Different contextual space and purpose.
Non-Sequitur
“Does not follow”. A Non-Sequitur carries a disassociated premise. They are irrelevant claims. Ex: “I should receive a higher grade (or an “A”) because I received an A in all my other courses.” (Or, “because I worked extremely hard.”) —can’t quantify (or qualify) what “working extremely hard” is … it’s an individual contextual space /experience. And, it is irrelevant what one’s grades are in other courses/ subjects as to the grade received in another. But this kind of logic goes beyond academe and can apply to “life reasoning” in general.
Straw Man
The Straw man fallacy “distorts” an argument to the challenger’s benefit to make it easier for them to attack. Puts words in the other’s mouth that they did not say (nor argue). Ex: The argument: “People should be able to apply for an extension on their Unemployment Benefits if they are unable to secure a job in their given time-frame.” The Response: “So, you think people should be able to live for free? Or, “So you think people don’t need to try and find work?” These are both Straw man fallacies because the original argument was not suggesting either of these items
Slippery Slope
Exaggerations (Hyperbole): A certain event will lead to another event (often extreme). Cause and effect connection is completely unfounded. Ex’s: “If I don’t get this iPad, my life will be ruined.”
“If abortion is legalized [or made illegal], then the entire country has lost its morals and decency.”
*[The slippery slope can also be applied or suggested when the subject or inquiry is somewhat “grey” or undetermined, usually with something controversial. For example: A few years ago, it was questioned whether
some actors weren’t nominated for an Oscar because of sexual misconduct claims in Hollywood. Can’t say for certain though, therefore it’s a slippery slope to suggest such.]
