1. Fallacious Arguments Fallacies are arguments which are weak based on common flaws. Examples of fallacies already covered: Affirming the consequent Hasty generalization Post hoc, ergo propter hoc (causal fallacy) Conclusions may be true, but the argument is inadequate to support them.

2. Fallacies of Faulty Assumption Arguing from ignorance Visits from outer space exist, because nobody has been able to prove that they don’t. Continuum fallacy Since we can’t determine what IQ score makes someone gifted we should not have special program for the gifted. Begging the question Everybody has the right to work; therefore, we should give driver’s licenses to illegal aliens.

3. Fallacies Directed at Persons Abusive ad hominem John Edwards is a slick trial lawyer. Appeal to personal interest President Bush is favors a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage to seek the support of fundamentalist Christians. Poisoning the well Men don’t have the right to say anything about abortion because they don’t have children.

4. Fallacies of Presentation Attacking a straw man We shouldn’t support vouchers for private schools, since they do not provide free school lunches. Exaggeration If enforced to the fullest extent, the Patriot Act will destroy our Bill of Rights. Ridicule Most pollution is caused by plants and trees. Reductio Ad Absurdum Since laws can’t control drug use, they are worthless. Remove the laws.

5. Fallacies of Suggestion Paralepsis I won’t make the Vice President’s Lesbian daughter an issue in this campaign. Selection Some of our wealthiest Americans don’t pay any taxes. Arrangement If Arkansas were a Fortune 500 company, it would be about 258 th behind Toys ‘R’ Us and Chaquita Brands.

6. Appeals Emotion Authority