Fallacies Study Guide Using the Logical Fallacies Media piece, fill in a definition and example for each fallacy below. The media piece is located in the “Topic 3 Study Materials” tab. Additionally, a weblink is also listed below within the reference. You are welcome to copy and paste the definitions and examples from the media piece in for this assignment. The reference for the resource has also been included below. Reference for Logical Fallacies Media Piece: Grand Canyon University (2012). Logical Fallacies. Retrieved from:
Introduction
This study guide aims to provide definitions and examples of logical fallacies using the Logical Fallacies Media Piece provided by Grand Canyon University (2012). Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken an argument or lead to false conclusions. Understanding these fallacies is crucial for critical thinking and effective communication.
1. Ad Hominem Fallacy
Definition: The ad hominem fallacy occurs when an argument attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.
Example: “Dr. Johnson’s argument for stricter gun control laws should be dismissed because he was once convicted of a crime.”
In this example, instead of addressing Dr. Johnson’s argument for stricter gun control laws, the focus is shifted onto his personal past, weakening the argument by attacking his character.
2. Slippery Slope Fallacy
Definition: The slippery slope fallacy occurs when someone suggests that a small event or action will inevitably lead to a chain of events resulting in a catastrophic outcome, without providing sufficient evidence to support this claim.
Example: “If we allow same-sex marriage, society will then accept polygamy, bestiality, and eventually all forms of immorality.”
In this example, the argument assumes that legalizing same-sex marriage will automatically lead to a chain of morally reprehensible actions without providing evidence to support this claim.
3. Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy
Definition: The appeal to ignorance fallacy occurs when someone argues that a statement is true because it has not been proven false, or vice versa.
Example: “UFOs must exist because no one has been able to prove that they don’t.”
In this example, the argument falsely assumes that the absence of evidence against the existence of UFOs is proof of their existence.
4. Straw Man Fallacy
Definition: The straw man fallacy occurs when someone misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent’s argument in order to make it easier to refute.
Example: “Opponents of universal healthcare just want people to suffer and die due to lack of medical care.”
In this example, the argument creates a distorted version of the opponent’s position (wanting people to suffer and die) in order to make it easier to dismiss and discredit the actual arguments against universal healthcare.
5. False Dichotomy Fallacy
Definition: The false dichotomy fallacy occurs when someone presents a situation as having only two possible options or outcomes, when in reality, there are more options or outcomes to consider.
Example: “You’re either with us or against us in the fight against terrorism.”
In this example, the argument falsely presents the situation as having only two options (being with us or against us) when there may be other positions or actions that can be taken in the fight against terrorism.
6. Hasty Generalization Fallacy
Definition: The hasty generalization fallacy occurs when a conclusion is reached based on insufficient evidence or a small sample size.
Example: “I met one person from that country who was rude, so all people from that country must be rude.”
In this example, the argument draws a conclusion about an entire group of people based on a single personal experience, without considering the possibility of individual variations within the group.
7. Appeal to Authority Fallacy
Definition: The appeal to authority fallacy occurs when someone relies on the opinion of an authority figure or expert without questioning or critically analyzing their argument or credentials.
Example: “Dr. Smith, a renowned scientist, says that climate change is not caused by human activities, so it must be true.”
In this example, the argument blindly accepts the opinion of Dr. Smith without considering other scientific research or evaluating the validity of his argument.