Logical Fallacy Coursework Example

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Logical Fallacy Worksheet
Please type in your own example for each of the following logical fallacies, and submit to the designated drop box,
Logical Fallacy Worksheet: for detailed descriptions, see “Avoiding Flawed Logic” (pp. 337-)Definition: fallacy: an error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence or incorrect inference (interpretation of the facts)
1. hasty generalization (338) —       drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence
1. The stock market went down after I invested in an IRA, so therefore I should stop investing in the stock market.
Your example: Mr. Smith is a qualified accountant. He is usually smartly dressed in a suit and a red tie.
1. post hoc or doubtful cause (338-9) –one event follows another, but it may not be caused by the other event.
When I bring an umbrella to school, it does not rain. Because I have an umbrella that is the reason it does not rain.
Your ex.: Every time I eat meat at night I fail to wake up early. Eating meat at night leads to my failure in waking up on time.
false analogy (340) –a comparison is drawn between two situations that are not parallel
Producing meat can be as efficient as producing cars in a factory.
Your ex.: Baking bread is as easy as walking in the park.
ad hominem (341)–an unfair attack on the person giving the opinion that is not related to the subject at hand
How can Mitt Romney be a good president if he speaks French?
Your ex.: I do not blame your failure to work under pressure; I understand your poor background.

false dilemma (342)–the arguer implies that only two alternatives are available
We should either keep building up troop levels or pull out completely.
Your ex.: It is either you work hard to succeed in life, or you will die a failure.
slippery slope (342)–an arguer suggests that one step will lead to a worse step, but she should provide evidence to back up this claim
If we allow hate speech in school, pretty soon schools will be overrun with chaos and violence.
Your ex.: Letting robbers walk scot free will result in many of our youth joining criminal gangs.
begging the question (343)–the arguer makes a statement assuming the issue in question has already been proven
Standardized testing will improve education by making schools better.
Your ex.: Free healthcare will upgrade health by making the health sector more efficient.
straw man (343-4)–the arguer attacks a view that is similar but different from that of his opposition—often something that is easier to knock down
Those who want to regulate hate speech do not care about protecting free speech.
Your ex.: Supporting gays and lesbians signifies high disregard for the word of God.
faulty use of authority (338)–could be a faulty use of expert opinions.
Because Paul Newman was a famous actor, he must make good salad dressings.
Your ex.: His excellent business skills must mean he can equally make a great manager.
non sequitur (345)–it does not follow—the arguer gives a reason that does not support his claim
Because she did not respond to my email, she does not like me.
Your ex.: His silence for four months must imply that he is no longer interested in our friendship.
Tu Quoque (Two Wrongs Make a Right) (344)–”you too”–the arguer says that it is hypocritical for you to criticize me if you are doing the same thing.
How can you ask me to stop smoking when you eat too many sweets?
Your ex.: You should not talk about my laziness when you do not like studying.
Distorting the facts –facts can be distorted or left unreported for the benefit of the person doing the distorting.
Although the company knew the peanut butter was contaminated, they shipped it anyway as if it were safe.
Your ex.: The pharmacist gave the wrong dosage to the client yet did not bother to recall the patient to correct the mistake.
Oversimplification –generalizing in a way that exaggerates or oversimplifies the truth.
If you try hard enough, you will succeed.
Your ex: If you sleep too much you will gain weight as you have always desired.