Logical Fallacies Quiz 1

In a televised debate, when one politician accuses another of being too inexperienced to understand economic policies simply because of their younger age, what kind of logical fallacy is being committed?

• A) A fallacy that involves an irrelevant topic to distract from the argument

• B) A fallacy that attacks the person rather than addressing the argument itself

• C) A fallacy that relies on the opinion of an expert to support the argument

• D) A fallacy that assumes something is true because the majority believes it

Answer explanation

The correct answer is B) A fallacy that attacks the person rather than addressing the argument itself.

Considering the popularity of electric cars, the Bandwagon Fallacy would assume which of the following?

• A) Electric cars are superior because the majority of people are starting to use them

• B) Electric cars are superior because an automotive expert supports them

• C) Electric cars are superior because their disadvantages have not been proven

• D) Electric cars are superior because their technology is logical and well-structured

Answer explanation

The Bandwagon Fallacy assumes that electric cars are superior because the majority of people are starting to use them, which is option A.

In a debate on environmental policy, one participant argues, 'We should not listen to Dr. Smith's proposals on reducing carbon emissions because Dr. Smith was once fined for littering.'

Which type of fallacy does this represent?

• A) Ad Hominem

• B) Straw Man

• C) Appeal to Fear

• D) Slippery Slope

Answer explanation

The correct type of fallacy is Ad Hominem, which occurs when an argument attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself.

During a debate on environmental policies, one speaker shifts the discussion to the economic achievements of the country instead of addressing the environmental issues raised. What does this tactic exemplify in the context of logical fallacies?

• A) A fallacy that attacks an opponent's character or personal traits

• B) A fallacy that uses the opinion of the majority to argue that a claim is true

• C) A fallacy that distracts from the argument with seemingly related but actually unrelated points

• D) A fallacy that makes a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence

Answer explanation

The tactic exemplifies the logical fallacy of distracting from the argument with seemingly related but actually unrelated points, which is represented by choice C.

After seeing three news reports about shark attacks in one summer, Mia concludes that sharks have become a major threat to swimmers everywhere. What kind of fallacy is Mia committing?

• A) A fallacy that involves making a decision without all the necessary information

• B) A fallacy that involves making a broad conclusion based on limited evidence

• C) A fallacy that involves attacking the person making an argument rather than the argument itself

• D) A fallacy that involves appealing to popularity as evidence for an argument's correctness

Answer explanation

Mia is committing a fallacy that involves making a broad conclusion based on limited evidence, which is reflected in option B.

During a debate on climate change, one participant argues, 'We must accept global warming as a severe threat because Nobel laureate John Smith says so.' What fallacy is being committed here?

• A) A fallacy that involves using irrelevant personal details to discredit an argument

• B) A fallacy that involves creating a distorted version of an argument to easily refute it

• C) A fallacy that involves using the opinion of an expert as the sole basis to support an argument

• D) A fallacy that involves using a distraction to divert attention from the main argument

Answer explanation

The correct answer is C) A fallacy that involves using the opinion of an expert as the sole basis to support an argument.

During a discussion on public health policies, a participant claims that vaccines should not be trusted because a celebrity expressed skepticism about them. What type of logical fallacy does this argument represent?

• A) A fallacy that distracts from the argument by introducing irrelevant personal details

• B) A fallacy that attacks the opponent's character instead of the argument

• C) A fallacy that relies on the opinion of an authority or popular figure to support the argument

• D) A fallacy that assumes a cause-and-effect relationship without sufficient evidence

Answer explanation

The correct choice is C) A fallacy that relies on the opinion of an authority or popular figure to support the argument.

In a discussion about internet privacy, one person argues, 'If you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't worry about online surveillance.' What kind of logical fallacy is being used?

• A) False Dilemma

• B) Slippery Slope

• C) Appeal to Ignorance

• D) Straw Man

Answer explanation

The correct answer is A) False Dilemma because the argument presents a limited number of options when there are actually more available.

When debating the effectiveness of new educational policies, one educator dismisses another's argument by stating, 'You're too young to understand the complexities of educational reform.' What type of logical fallacy does this exemplify?

• A) Ad Hominem

• B) Appeal to Authority

• C) Red Herring

• D) Bandwagon Fallacy

Answer explanation

The correct answer is A) Ad Hominem because the educator is attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.