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 Logical Fallacies are errors in argument  They stem from a problem in the logic that is used to move from the “reasons” portion of the argument to the “conclusion” portion of the argument.  As you learn more about logical fallacies, you’ll begin to see them everywhere.  Premise: A statement (assumed to be true) that will lead to the conclusion being made.  Remember: the conclusion in a fallacy statement MAY BE TRUE. The fallacy lies in the way the argument was made. 

 AKA: If/Then fallacy, Camel’s Nose, Thin Edge of the Wedge  Argument: That one event or action must inevitably follow another without sufficiently demonstrating why the secondary action is inevitable.  Example: If we let people walk their dogs without a leash in the National Parks, then soon we’ll have roving packs of dog-wolf hybrids ravaging our towns!

 AKA: Ignoratio Elenchi, Irrelevant Thesis  Argument: Refuting a conclusion by ignoring the original argument in favor of producing a new, (generally more appealing) argument.  Tutorial:

 AKA: “It does not follow”  Argument: In which the conclusion of an argument does not follow its premise because of a disconnection.  Example: I was going to do the dishes, but Ryan is a history teacher.

 AKA: “Post hoc ergo propter hoc” (after this, therefore because of this) False cause, Correlation is not Causation  Argument: That one event happening after another event occurred BECAUSE of the first event.  Example: Every day at sunrise, my rooster crows. Therefore, sunrises are caused by crowing roosters.

 AKA: Appeal to the masses, Appeal to the majority  Argument: An argument is valid because many people believe it.  Examples: Everyone is doing it!  Nine out of Ten dentists recommend Crest!  Smoking is not dangerous: millions of Americans do it!

 AKA: “to the man/person” Personal attack, Guilt by association  Fallacy: “The person who is making the argument has a flaw, therefore his or her argument is flawed.” This fallacy attacks the speaker, not his or her argument.  Examples: “My opponent in this congressional election doesn’t even exercise in the morning! Why would you elect her to office?!”  “Of course you would say that attending college is important, you’re a college professor!”

 AKA: “reduced to Hitler.” Godwin’s Law & Corollary (not part of Aristotle’s original work on fallacies--fallacy in an internet age!)  Fallacy: The speaker’s view is compared to a view held by Hitler/Stalin/Nazi Party. This creates two effects: 1) distracts from the original argument and 2) creates an emotional response in one’s opponent (generally negative)  Example: In an argument about the possible health benefits of vegetarianism: “Research shows that being a vegetarian can help you live a longer and happier life.” “Well, it didn’t work for Hitler, he was a vegetarian, and he was responsible for millions of deaths.”

 AKA: Type of Association Fallacy  Fallacy: That a conclusion must be true because an authority/famous person stated it was.  Example: “Mom, why do I have to eat vegetables?”: “Because I said so!”  Celebrity Endorsements—Kardashian Kard

 AKA: Small Sample Group, Stereotype, Leaping to Conclusions  Fallacy: What is true for a small number must be true for a large number  Examples: Bob, who is Irish, stole my wallet. Therefore, all Irish people are thieves.

 AKA: False Dilemma, False dichotomy  Fallacy: The two choices presented in an argument are the only two possible outcomes.  Example: If you’re not with us, then you’re against us!  Another example:  “If you don’t let me go to this concert, I’m going to diiiie”

 AKA: N/A  Fallacy: Refuting an opponent's argument by misrepresenting their position, and arguing against the misrepresentation.  Example: A presidential administration decides to reduce military spending. A presidential candidate running for office says “I can’t imagine why the President would want to leave the American People vulnerable and defenseless to future attacks!”

 AKA: Paradoxical Thinking  Fallacy: Attempting to support the premise of an argument with another (or more strongly worded) premise.  Example: You can’t give me a “D,” I’m an “A” student! o I’m an “A” student, I earned a “D,” therefore I am no longer an “A” student.  Hilary Clinton is the best candidate for President, because she is totally better than any of the other candidates.

 AKA: N/A. This is another “modern” fallacy, but will frequently fall under non-sequitur.  Fallacy: Using an adage to stop a line of thought or discussion.  Example: A young entrepreneur and her mentor are discussing the merits of expanding her business over the holiday season. When she disagrees with her mentor, the mentor replies, “look, that’s just your ego talking.”  “Boys will be boys”  “The customer is always right”  “To each his own”

 Return to Glogster! Woohoo! o If you have lost your login information, I can get it for you  Glogs must contain: o Fallacy name o 4 of the following: background, graphics, video, sound, pictures. o All glogs must contain text! o 1 example taken from a research source o 1 original example o Works cited/Reference  2-5 Minute presentation o Your classmates (and I) may ask questions at the end of your presentation.