Logical Fallacies (Part 3): Recall Activity

What is an ad hominem fallacy?

• A personal attack on an opponent.

• A statement that misrepresents someone’s argument.

• A claim based on emotional appeal.

“You should believe in climate change because scientists say it is real.”

• Appeal to Common Belief

• Appeal to Authority

• Appeal to Ignorance

What does the appeal to pity fallacy involve?

• Relying on popular opinion

• Using emotional distress to gain support

• Questioning the validity of evidence

“We should continue to hold this festival because it is been done for generations.”

• Appeal to Common Belief

• Appeal to Authority

• Appeal to Tradition

Identify the weak analogy in this statement: “Just as a car needs fuel to run, students need grades to succeed.”

• Cars and students are not alike

• Grades are not the only measure of success

• Both require something to operate

What does the fallacy of begging the question mean?

• Diverting attention from the main argument

• Assuming the conclusion in the premise

• Creating a false choice between two options

“People who oppose this policy just want to ruin our economy.”

• Straw Man

• False Dichotomy

• Red Herring

What does red herring fallacy entail?

• Providing an irrelevant topic to divert attention

• Arguing that tradition justifies a claim

• Comparing two unrelated things

“Everyone believes that diet soda is healthy, so it must be true.”

• Appeal to Common Belief

• Appeal to Tradition

• Appeal to Ignorance

What characterizes a false dichotomy fallacy?

• Misleadingly simplifying a complex issue

• Presenting two options as the only possibilities

• Questioning the credibility of the evidence