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

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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???

6. 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