Fallacies of Logic A Mr. C Production

DO nOW What is an example of deductive reasoning? What is an example of inductive reasoning? What is an example of the strawman fallacy?

Reminder For students who missed last class or miss class in the future: The notes for this class are ALWAYS available on the classroom webpage on Somerset College Prep Look for my name (Mr. Eric Catafago- Social Studies) Click on Philosophy section 4 Or click on the calendar that will show you the specific lesson/work you missed for that day.

Genetic fallacy It is when you argue against a position or statement because its origins are suspect. Example- I heard Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are getting back together. That’s according to the National Enquirer. Chances are this is likely untrue, you are going to argue against me because of the lack of information. The national enquirer is not really a valid source, they post a ton of fake news to gain attention or notoriety.

Fallacy of Composition This occurs when the conclusion of an argument depends on an incorrect inference from the part to the whole. Example: I’m a fan of Sam Hunt, therefore I’m a fan of country. The truth is I’m not a fan of country, I’m just a fan of Sam Hunt.

Inconsistency Fallacy It is when we argue from contradictory premises. We might have said one thing one year and something completely different the next year. Example: I hate and cannot stand Justin Bieber, I think he’s a dirtbag (2013). I’m a fan of Justin Bieber, he’s got a great voice and he’s very talented (2015).

Another Inconsistency Fallacy example Politicians are known for using the inconsistency fallacy. For instance look at these two statements by Ronald Reagan in 1965 and 1966 in regards to Civil Rights: 1. ”I favor the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and it must be enforced at the point of a bayonet, if necessary.”(October 19th, 1965). 2. “I would have voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” (June 16th, 1966).

Ambiguity This occurs when you use double meaning of language to confuse or mislead the truth. Example- You get a parking fine for parking at a “fine for parking” sign spot. The judge asks you why did you park at that spot. You tell the judge that you thought it was fine to park there. You’re misrepresenting the truth. You don’t understand the true meaning of the parking sign.

Bandwagon You’re joining stance or proposition because of its popular appeal. A lot of people associate this with sports. Example: Many people accused Red Sox Nation in 2005 (A fan club for Red Sox fans) of bandwagon fans because the Red Sox won the World Series 2004 and ended a curse.

Appeal to Authority Since the authority said it, then it must be true. They are not valid arguments. The opinion of the institution or authority could be completely wrong. Hypothetical Example: Donald Trump says it’s ok you can miss work on the weekdays. Well your boss in reality will say otherwise. You would probably need a doctor’s excuse or valid excuse to miss work.

Middle Ground You take the middle point between 2 extremes to be the truth. You can’t have half of a truth, otherwise you still have a lie. Example: Larry thinks that watching too much TV will make you lazy, but his well-informed friend Josh says TV will make you productive since Josh workouts while he watches TV. Their other friend Jameson says that sometimes watching TV makes you lazy other times it does not. Jameson likes to workout and sleep while he watches to TV. He provides that middle ground.

Ad Hominem This occurs when you’re completely just attacking your opponent’s personal or physical traits during an argument to undermine their stance. It is probably the worst logical fallacy you can commit. Example: You make a presentation about doing well in life and succeeding. Your classmate asks the class, “Why should we listen to someone who misses class every day basically and smells weird?” Completely ignoring the stance, you’re just looking to make that person feel bad.

Personal Incredulity This happens when you completely dismiss a stance or argument because it is confusing to you or how it is actually true, your conclusion is that it isn’t true. You don’t know how the process works. Example: The Big Bang Theory

Burden of Truth It is when someone is creating their own claim and that NO ONE can disprove that claim. Always assign value to any claim based on evidence. Example: You say that school ends at 3:30 PM at this very moment, no one can prove you wrong so therefore your claim is correct or valid.

Activity Please get into groups of 3 or 2, no one is allowed to work alone! Pick out a fallacy that we learned today and do a role play/skit with it. Everyone should be talking and you will have to present in class. You can include a script if you want. This will be graded based off your participation, so participate and be vocal!