Logical Fallacies What could this mean? [Logic = thinking; Fallacy = false or flawed]

What is a fallacy? A fallacy is incorrect argument in logic and rhetoric resulting in a lack of validity Consider this: 1. If it rains, the streets will be wet. 2. The streets are wet. 3. Therefore, it must have rained. Does this follow? Why not? Fallacies can be intentional or unintentional What could the benefit be to intentionally using a logical fallacy? Logical Fallacies can potentially be very effective. An Emotional Appeal, for instance, is technically a fallacy. It can also distract your audience from a fact that you find inconvenient. Is that ethical?

Who cares? Poor logic can be very dangerous! If it sounds good enough, some people can be easily swayed by something illogical People can believe things that are wrong and make decisions based on that It someone notices you’re using a fallacy, it will be easy to invalidate your argument You’ll look foolish Trust me If you notice someone using one, it will be easy to invalidate their argument This is extremely satisfying

There are many kinds and they often have cool names Strawman Appeal to Probability False Cause Bandwagon Slippery Slope Mind Projection Ad Hominem Black-or-White Special Pleading Begging the Question Loaded Question The Gambler’s Fallacy Appeal to Nature Confirmation Bias Appeal to Emotion Genetic The Fallacy Fallacy Anecdotal Tu Quoque The Texas Sharpshooter Personal Incredulity Middle Ground Burden of Proof Argument from Silence Ambiguity Composition/Divisi on Hasty Generalization No True Scotsman There are 28 here

What do I expect you to do with this information? First, everyone in here will choose a fallacy to look up and learn about Starting on Friday , September 11, you will each take a moment to teach the class about your fallacy, being sure to explain the following: What is it? Why is it wrong? What would an example look like? You should plan on using a visual aid. A PowerPoint slide A hand-out Something awesome on the whiteboard Other???

Example: The Strawman Fallacy The Strawman fallacy refers to the practice of misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack. This is a problem because if you’re not actually dealing with your opponent’s position, you’re not actually proving your own point. EXAMPLE Beth is arguing against the need for year-round schooling on the basis that summer vacation allows high school students time to earn extra money and learn responsibility in the real world. In a debate in class, her teacher announces that Beth wants summer off because she doesn’t like going to school. This is not what Beth is arguing, even if it is the position of other people that agree with her