Logical Fallacies I

Question 1

Fallacies

Answer 1

• subtle flaws within the logic of an argument
• arguments that deceptively appear to be strong logic appeals when, in fact, they are faulty
• sometime fallacies are used in argument intentionally to deceive the audience

Question 2

why identify fallacies

Answer 2

• strengthens your own arguments

- helps you critique the arguments of others

Question 3

types of fallacies

Answer 3

• hasty generalization: a generalization based on insufficient information (e.g. kangaroos are adorable. therefore, kangaroos are harmless)
• non sequitar: a conclusion that does not follow logically from preceding statements (e.g. Jed has always wanted to play the trumpet. He will be a great musician
• false analogy: the assumption that since two things are alike in some respects, they are alike in others (e.g. Italy and Morocco are both Mediterranean countries, so their cultures are quite similar
• circular reasoning: an argument where instead of supplying evidence, the point is simply restated (e.g. Clint exercises a lot, therefore, he will be a great football player since he works out so often)
• “either … or”: the suggestion that only two alternatives exist when in fact there are more (e.g. either get this operation right now, or you’re going to die within a week)
• false cause (post hoc): the assumption that because one event follows another, the first is the cause of the second (e.g. i ate chocolate last month and now I have lots of pimples. the chocolate gave me pimples)

Question 4

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Derek loves shooting arrows, so he will make an excellent hunter

Answer 4

non sequitar

Question 5

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?
The city I visited in Alabama served fried chicken three times a day. Therefore, fried chicken is a favorite dish throughout the state of Alabama

Answer 5

hasty generalization

Question 6

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

If animals have the ability to feel pain like humans, they should be given the same rights and liberties as humans

Answer 6

false analogy

Question 7

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Lou Ann is a great mother. All of her kids think she is wonderful

Answer 7

circular reasoning

Question 8

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Dylan ate potato chips before the game so of course he hit more home runs

Answer 8

false cause

Question 9

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Either you go to be right now, or you won’t be ready to take that test tomorrow

Answer 9

“either… or”

Question 10

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?
A small group of environmentalists protested outside of a factory in a radical manner, hence all environmentalists are radical

Answer 10

hasty generalization

Question 11

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?
I don’t like to prewrite my papers. I tend to just start writing, which then gives me my ideas, so I know what I want to say. I guess my writing process is called a brainstorm instead of writing because I just start writing to get my ideas

Answer 11

circular reasoning

Question 12

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

He decides what activities we do because he always makes those sorts of decisions

Answer 12

circular reasoning

Question 13

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Last week, I ate donuts every day and I lost 2 pounds. Donuts are amazing at helping you lose weight

Answer 13

false cause

Question 14

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Whenever the baseball player wears his dirty, orange socks, he hits a home run. Hence his socks cause the home runs

Answer 14

false cause

Question 15

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Every year I plant tomatoes in my backyard, and I see hummingbirds. These birds are attracted to my tomatoes

Answer 15

hasty generalization

Question 16

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Either we curb fossil fuel emissions or we’ll all die from global warming

Answer 16

“either… or”

Question 17

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Every time I mop my floor, it rains, so the muddy dog dirties my floor. I need to stop mopping the floor

Answer 17

false cause

Question 18

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Airplane travel is fast, so it should be the primary way to travel for all people

Answer 18

hasty generalization

Question 19

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

I think flowers are beautiful because they are so pretty

Answer 19

circular reasoning

Question 20

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Obesity is rampant in America, so doctors should receive more training

Answer 20

non-sequitar

Question 21

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

Thomas Jefferson was the best president because he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase

Answer 21

non-sequitar

Question 22

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

That presidential candidate is impressive because he’s awesome

Answer 22

circular reasoning

Question 23

What type of logical fallacy is shown below?

The sun will rise tomorrow because tomorrow is another day

Answer 23

circular