CHAPTER 5: FALLACIES

What is a fallacy in reasoning?

• A type of emotional appeal used to strengthen arguments

• A method of logical problem-solving

• An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or misleading

• A factual statement used to support a theory

Which of the following statements is TRUE about fallacies?

• All fallacies are created intentionally to deceive people.

• Fallacies only occur in mathematics and science.

• Fallacies can occur in arguments, explanations, and definitions.

• Formal fallacies are the only type of fallacies that exist.

What distinguishes a formal fallacy from other types of fallacies?

A. It is based on false or misleading facts.
B. It involves emotional manipulation rather than logic.
C. It stems from an error in the argument’s logical structure.
D. It uses overly complex language to confuse the audience.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Why are all formal fallacies considered non-sequiturs?

A. Because they always use false premises
B. Because they rely on emotional language
C. Because their conclusions do not logically follow from their premises
D. Because they use numbers and statistics incorrectly

• A

• B

• C

• D

What is the main characteristic of the "bad reasons" fallacy?

A. The conclusion is based on strong but irrelevant evidence
B. The argument uses emotional appeals rather than logic
C. The conclusion is rejected solely because the supporting reasons are poor
D. The argument contains too many facts, making it confusing

Correct Answer: C. The conclusion is rejected solely because the supporting reasons are poor

• A

• B

• C

• D

In the statement, “The new employee is too quiet and has no sense of style. We should fire him,” what is the main issue?

A. The reasons are too emotional
B. The reasons given do not logically justify the conclusion
C. The conclusion is clearly true
D. The argument uses a strong causal link

• A

• B

• C

• D

Why might the conclusion still be valid even if the reasons provided are bad?

A. Because bad reasons always strengthen the conclusion
B. Because a conclusion can be supported by other, better reasons
C. Because any reason is enough to accept a conclusion
D. Because conclusions don't need reasons

Correct Answer: B. Because a conclusion can be supported by other, better reasons

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which of the following best summarizes the bad reasons fallacy?

A. The conclusion is bad because it contradicts evidence
B. The premises are correct, so the conclusion must be too
C. The conclusion is rejected due to the poor quality of the argument’s premises
D. The conclusion is accepted based on majority opinion

• A

• B

• C

• D

What is the main issue with the statement “All philosophers are wise”?

A. It is a factual error
B. It is a subjective opinion based on appearance
C. It uses an absolute quantifier that can be disproved by one counter-example
D. It makes a personal attack

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which of the following best defines a fallacy of quantitative logic?

A. An error in how numbers are added in an argument
B. A grammatical mistake in the wording of a claim
C. A flaw in reasoning caused by the misuse of quantifiers like “all” or “some”
D. A type of fallacy that relies on emotional language

• A

• B

• C

• D