Fallacies of Irrelevance Naomi Sanderovsky, Ph.D.

Fallacies of Irrelevance In these fallacies, people purposely use irrelevant and misleading ideas into an argument in order to distract the from the main issue. Sometimes these arguments are used to prove something without demonstrating evidence that supports the conclusion.

Appeara Fallacies of Irrelevance It is important to be aware of deceptive tactics. One must be mindful of arguments that do not truly contribute to proving the conclusion.

Fallacies of Irrelevance We observe lawyers using these tactics to trick jurors. Sometimes people unintentionally make these fallacies, by not realizing their arguments do not support their own conclusions.

Ad baculum (also called Appeal to force) In this fallacy, there is an appeal to force which tries to convince you to accept a conclusion via a threat of force, potential personal damage, or other form of coercion.

Ad baculum (also called Appeal to force) This fallacy generally appeals to fear tactics. This fallacy is often effective because it appeals to emotion and is more likely to evoke a response quickly.

Ad baculum (also called Appeal to force) Example: If you don’t believe in my religion, you will go to hell. If a person does not believe in a particular religion, they are unlikely to take the bait. However, if one is in doubt, it can be effective because it depends on emotional response for acceptance.

Ad hominem Ad hominem is another name for personal attacks. There are three variations of this argument.

Ad hominem Circumstantial personal attacks: This occurs when one is accused of not having a valid argument because one is not practicing it for oneself (hypocrisy). Example: An argument is put forth that animal testing is cruel and it is better to avoid such products. The opposition responds by attacking the person who is making the argument with an accusation that they use animal-tested products.

Ad hominem: Tu quoque This is a Tu quoque argument - ‘you too!’ or ‘you do it too!’ type of response. Even though the individual making the argument might be a hypocrite, it is irrelevant as to whether animal testing is right or wrong. By diverting the discussion to the arguer rather than the issue, the opposition uses irrelevancy to suggest the conclusion is wrong.

Ad hominem: Abusive Abusive ad hominem occurs when the opponent attacks the person making the argument by attacking their character and integrity. Example: Republicans argue for strong family values, but many of the senators are guilty of adultery! Again, hypocrisy does not make the argument for family values irrelevant.

Ad hominem: Poisoning the Well Poisoning the well occurs when the opponent attacks the person making the argument by accusing them of having bias, a hidden agenda, or a personal interest in the issue at hand. Example: Certain politicians’ desire to go to war in Iraq in order to promote democracy is false. It is all about oil and money.

Ad hominem: Poisoning the Well In this fallacy, there is an implication of ulterior motives that is meant to “poison the well,” or prevent careful consideration of the actual argument.

Fallacy of Opposition This fallacy is similar to poisoning the well. The attack on the person involves the idea that there is something about the person’s very nature that dismisses anything they have to say as evidence.

Fallacy of Opposition Example: He has never experienced being poor, so how could he have compassion for them?

Genetic Fallacy In this fallacy, one makes the conclusion that the origin of something determines how we must think about it.

Genetic Fallacy In this fallacy, one make the conclusion that the origin of something determines how we must think about it. Example: Anti-smoking campaigns cannot be positive since the Nazis were the first ones to begin them.

Guilt by Association In this fallacy, a person claims that because something is associated with someone that is liked or despised, the thing itself should also be liked or despised. Similar to the previous example, this fallacy tries to condemn anti-smoking campaigns by associating them with the Nazi's.

Ad misericordiam: Appeal to Pity This fallacy appeals to emotion to persuade you to accept the conclusion rather than offer real evidence that supports the conclusion.

Ad misericordiam: Appeal to Pity Example: You should give me a good grade on this assignment because I was stressed out and have a lot on my plate right now!

Ad populum Ad populum argument claims that if everyone accepts that something is true or false, then it must be.

Ad populum Everyone voted for the initiative to pass; it must be a good one.

Bandwagon This fallacy refers to what people do rather than what they believe.

Bandwagon Example: Most people cheat on their taxes. What is the big deal if I do it?

Plain Folks Appeal & Snob Appeal This fallacy plays on your identification with a certain type of people.

Plain Folks Appeal & Snob Appeal Joe the six pack was a common appeal during the last election.

Ad verecundiam: Appeal to Authority In this fallacy, there is an unreasonable appeal to authority. There are three common appeals to authority.

Ad verecundiam: Appeal to Authority In this fallacy, there is an unreasonable appeal to authority. There are three common appeals to authority.

Ad verecundiam: Appeal to Authority Irrelevant expertise - The argument appeals to an authority on an issue outside the field of expertise that the expert holds. Example: My grandmother told me it is bad for you to go outside with your hair wet. It must be true.

Ad verecundiam: Appeal to Authority Vague Authority - The appeal to authority is too vague to verify or confirm credibility. Example: I know I should eat a lot of dairy because experts claim that I need a lot of vitamin D to stay healthy.

Ad verecundiam: Appeal to Authority Name-brand Authority – In this fallacy, a popular name is used to get our attention, but it is not a valid appeal to authority if the person is not really an expert.

Red Herring In this fallacy, someone brings up an irrelevant topic in order to deliberately divert attention from the main topic. Example: I am not sure how environmentally safe that product is, but I do know that is a great product to buy. It produces many good jobs in our country.

Red Herring In this fallacy, someone brings up an irrelevant topic in order to deliberately divert attention from the main topic. Example: I am not sure how environmentally safe that product is, but I do know that is a great product to buy. It produces many good jobs in our country.

Weak Opposition: Straw Man This occurs when an argument is distorted or exaggerated to make it appear weaker. The argument is presented as a straw/empty/weak version, so it is easily disputed and refuted. It presents the argument in such a way as to make the conclusion seem impossible to prove, implausible or ridiculous.

Weak Opposition: Straw Man Example: Our daughter wants to buy a mini-skirt for the prom. I don’t know why she wants to dress like a prostitute and ruin her whole life.