1. What is a logical fallacy?
Logical Fallacies
What is a logical fallacy?

2. Flaws in reasoning
Poor arguments that are commonly used (I would say almost everyone occasionally uses them)
Which ones do you see the most frequently- any off the top of your head?

3. Ad hominem attacks- attack on a persons character rather than the argument “attack the man”
Examples
My opponent claims to be a vegetarian yet wears leather shoes
My opponent was wrong about the _______ bill, and he’s wrong about this bill (extension of wrong thought)
Of course he passed a raise for himself. He's a senator.
When does ad hominem make the most sense?

4. Straw men- a weak argument attributed to your opponent that is easier to debate than the actual issue at hand, or taking the most extreme part of your opponents position
My opponent does not believe in evolution, and thinks the whole world was created in several days.
If you are against the war, you are clearly for (insert dictator here)
“If we take away farmers' ability to grow genetically engineered crops, if we eliminate that option, people will go hungry, nay, people will starve. Unlike my opponent, I choose to use the technology available to us and save lives.”
Can you think of others?

5. Guilt by assocation
Very popular, if someone is associated with a movement, ideology, or group someone does not like – this “taints” the argument or person at hand
President Obama and Bill Ayers (radical leftist) were on an anti-poverty committee together. Clearly President Obama is equally leftist. This occurs in many political situations.
Socialized health care works in countries which are communist, therefore if you support socialized health care, you are for communism
The tea party has racists in it, therefore, the tea party supports a racist ideology

6. Slippery Slope If X happens then Y is sure to follow.
If he gets up, we’ll all get up- it will be anarchy! (The Breakfast Club)
If we allow gay marriage, what’s next, what if people want to marry their dog or cat?
If people start smoking marijuana they will inevitably move on to harder drugs
If they start charging us for parking, pretty soon we’ll have to pay just to use the bathroom
What are some other ones?

7. Red Herring
Named after a fish (red herring) which distracts hunting dogs from the scent they are following.
I know I’m late. But I’ve been on time every other day.
My opponent says I am not a patriot. But my opponent voted three times against the war. (combination of red herring plus ad hominem)
Art: Teacher salaries should be increased to attract better teachers.
Bette: Lengthening the school day would also improve student learning outcomes. Therefore, teacher salaries should remain the same.

8. Appeals to popularity
Many people are doing it, or someone important does it so therefore it is fine
Millions of people share copyrighted mp3 files and videos online. Therefore, sharing copyrighted music and videos is fine.
Almost everyone tries drugs, so its not really a big deal.
Tiger Woods drinks Gatorade, therefore, Gatorade is something you should drink.

9. What are some better ways to argue?
Attack the central argument of the author
Attacks on credibility are ok, assuming that the argument and the authors credibility are directly in conflict
Don’t resort to name calling, generalization, or straw men arguments
Deal with the issues as fairly as possible- what is the best reason this argument is not true- facts, statistics (sometimes), and engagement with the authors central ideas will make your papers stronger.