1. Or how to win a debate by changing the topic.
What is a fallacy?
Or how to win a debate by changing the topic.

2. What is a fallacy? A failure in logical reasoning
A misleading or unsound argument.
Argumentative structure – Claim, Evidence, (Warrant)
A misleading or untrue WARRANT
The evidence doesn’t really support the claim
Syllogism – Major Premise, Minor Premise Conclusion
A misleading or untrue assumption in one of the premises

3. Types of Fallacies (reading)
Read “Fallacies”, pg , from the Glencoe Speech textbook.
“Fallacies are errors in reasoning or mistaken beliefs…the do-not’s of logic.”
Eight fallacies – definition for each.
Sub-headings in red.

4. Types of Fallacies (1)
Hasty Generalization – conclusion based on insufficient evidence.
I went to Albertsons, but they didn’t have any curry powder. You can’t get curry powder anywhere!
False Premise – incorrect major premise.
All rap music is obscene and inappropriate…
Circumstantial Evidence – conclusion based only on the evidence at hand.
Your seat is closest to the spill, so you must be the one who spilled soda on the floor.

5. Types of Fallacies (2)
Mistaken Causality – mistaking correlation (relation) for causation (cause and effect).
The suspect played violent video games before committing a mass shooting.
Playing with Numbers – manipulating statistics (numerical data) to misrepresent facts.
This has resulted in a 300% increase (was 1, now 3)
False Analogy – comparing two things that aren’t the same.
Investing in the stock market is just as risky as gambling in Las Vegas.

6. Types of Fallacies (3)
Ignoring the Question – Diverting attention away from the argument (personal attacks).
Don’t listen to my opponent's argument about legalizing marijuana, he has a drug conviction.
Begging the Question – assumes the conclusion as true (circular reasoning).
The Bible is the Word of God, because God tells us it is in the Bible.

7. Identifying fallacies
What kind of fallacies are used in: Monty Python “She’s a Witch!”
False Premise
All witches are things that can burn.
All things that can burn are made of wood.
Therefore, all witches are made of wood.
All things made of wood are things that can float.
All things that weigh as much as a duck are things that can float.
Therefore, all things that weight as much as a duck are made of wood
This lady weighs as much as a duck
This lady is therefore made of wood.
Therefore, this lady is a witch!