ARGUMENTS

WHAT IS AN ARGUMENT? An argument consist of two or more premises and one conclusion. A premise is a statement that supports the conclusion or the claim of the argument. The claim (conclusion) is the main idea of the argument. It is the point the writer is trying to get across.

FALLACIES A fallacy is basically an error in reasoning. This isn’t a factual error. A fallacy is an “argument” in which the premises given for the conclusion do not provide the needed support.

TYPES OF FALLACIES Appeal to fear- something fearful is used to persuade the audience. A good example of this would be a chain text. Personal Attack- Attacking the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself, when the attack on the person is completely irrelevant to the argument the person is making. My opponent suggests that lowering taxes will be a good idea -- this is coming from a woman who eats a pint of Ben and Jerry’s each night!

TYPES OF FALLACIES CONT. False Dilemma- When only two choices are presented yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two extremes. False dilemmas are usually characterized by “either this or that” language, but can also be characterized by omissions of choices.

FALSE PREMISES A false premise is some kind of support for the main claim that isn’t true. Even if the main claim is true, the argument is weakened by a false premise. An example would be this: Everyone wants to get married someday. A good self-concept is important in attracting a husband or wife. Therefore, everyone should develop a good self-concept.