1. Poisoning the Well By Tessa Britt and Tracey Resner

2. Definition? This sort of "reasoning" involves trying to discredit what a person might later claim by presenting unfavorable information (be it true or false) about the person. This "argument" has the following form:  Unfavorable information (be it true or false) about person A is presented.  Therefore any claims person A makes will be false.

3. Real World Example… The 2010 Attorney General election  A paid ad by the American Crossroads had defiled the name and credibility of Jack Conway, claiming that because of his position in office, meth labs had increased by 60%.

4. Crucible Examples… Abigail: She hates me, uncle, she must, for I would not be her slave. It’s a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman. -The Crucible

5. Crucible Examples (con.) Proctor: I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name – you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one! - The Crucible

6. The End! (sources) Background: “Deep Purple Skulls.” Layout Sparks. n.d. JPEG file. Web. 14 April. 2011. Fallacy: Fallacy: Poisoning the Well. The Nizkor Project. n.d. Web. 14 April. 2011. Image: “My Top Ten Willy Inducing Moments.” Fascination With Fear/Blog Spot. Web. 14 April. 2011. Examples: American Crossroads. Hollow Eyes. Washington, DC. 2010. Campaign Pamphlet.