1. Rhetorical Terms #2 Logical Fallacies: ad hoc, ad homenim, begging the question

2. Logical Fallacies Fallacy (n.) a misleading or false notion Logical Fallacy – an error in reasoning

3. Ad hoc Ad hoc (L.)  “to this” Def: When an argument or idea has proven to be untrue, the original arguer concocts an entirely new justification for belief. P1: The invasion of Iraq is justified because they had WMD’s P2: But no WMD’s were found, and the UN never believed they had any. P1: Well, we needed to spread democracy in the Middle East.

4. Ad hoc, additional examples Teacher: Doing all the study guides will guarantee a high grade on the test. Student: I did all the study guides, and I still failed. Teacher: You must have been drinking while studying. Televangelist/Motivational Speaker: If you send me $100 dollars, you will see your problems go away. Skeptic: My grandmother sent you $200 dollars, and she was run down by a band of Ostriches. T/MS: She must not have really believed.

5. Ad hominem Ad homenim (L.)  at the person Def: a distracting argument that attacks the arguer, not the issue or the claim. Professor James claims that sea levels are going to rise, but can we trust a man who has such a horrible drinking problem? Not all personal attacks are ad hominem, only when they are meant to distract

6. Begging the Question/Circular Reasoning Reasoning: Known (Premise)  Unknown (Conclusion) Begging the Question: Substituting the premise for the conclusion. P1: You can trust me. P2: How do I know? P1: Because I’m honest.

7. Begging the Question, examples P1: Everyone should eat almonds: they’re good for you. P2: How can you be sure. P2: Because they’re healthy.