#1 – Appeal To Authority#1 – Appeal To AuthorityPerson A is (claimed to be) an Person A is (claimed to be) an authority on subject S. authority on subject S.

Person A makes claim C about Person A makes claim C about subject S. subject S.

Therefore, C is true. Therefore, C is true.

If someone asks an authority If someone asks an authority (authority meaning in this case, an (authority meaning in this case, an expert) figure a question, it could be expert) figure a question, it could be a fallacy if the person is bias, not an a fallacy if the person is bias, not an expert, or hasn’t experienced it.expert, or hasn’t experienced it.

For example, a snake specialist at For example, a snake specialist at the zoo tells “George” that the zoo tells “George” that backpacks weigh too heavy for kids backpacks weigh too heavy for kids to wear and it will ruin their backs in to wear and it will ruin their backs in the future, and then “George” the future, and then “George” believes it.believes it.

#8 Appeal to Fear#8 Appeal to FearDefinitionDefinition: Using fear or a : Using fear or a

threat to persuade threat to persuade someone into doing or someone into doing or believing somethingbelieving something

ExampleExample: "You know, Mr. : "You know, Mr. Conn, I really need to Conn, I really need to get an A in this class. get an A in this class. I'd like to stop by I'd like to stop by during your office during your office hours later to discuss hours later to discuss my grade. I'll be in my grade. I'll be in your building anyways, your building anyways, visiting my father. He's visiting my father. He's your dean, by the way. your dean, by the way. I'll see you later." –I'll see you later." –Brooke NorlingBrooke Norling

#24 False Dilemma#24 False Dilemma False Dilemma is when False Dilemma is when

you claim that one you claim that one thing is true because thing is true because of something else that of something else that is false.is false.

Example: Example: "Look, you "Look, you are going to have to are going to have to make up your mind. make up your mind. Either you decide that Either you decide that you can afford this you can afford this stereo, or you decide stereo, or you decide you are going to do you are going to do without music for a without music for a while.” –Chris Rogerswhile.” –Chris Rogers

DivisionDivisionThe fallacy of Division is committed when The fallacy of Division is committed when

a person infers that what is true of a whole must a person infers that what is true of a whole must also be true of its constituents and justification also be true of its constituents and justification for that inference is not provided.for that inference is not provided.

Zach Kutlow

"The ball is blue, therefore the atoms that make it up are also blue.

"Bill lives in a large building, so his apartment must be large.

"Sodium chloride (table salt) may be safely eaten. Therefore its constituent elements, sodium and chloride, may be safely eaten."

Fallacies In Fallacies In CompositionComposition

By: Sarah RiccitelliBy: Sarah Riccitelli

DefinitionDefinition

Fallacy= A misconception resulting Fallacy= A misconception resulting from incorrect reasoningfrom incorrect reasoning

Fallacy In Composition=When an Fallacy In Composition=When an assumption is made on a whole assumption is made on a whole group, or class of things, based on a group, or class of things, based on a sample of the characteristics of a few sample of the characteristics of a few individuals.individuals.

ExampleExample

The papers are full of stories about The papers are full of stories about major athletes using steroids to win. major athletes using steroids to win. Athletes simply can not compete Athletes simply can not compete without using steroids.without using steroids.

Athletes

Athletes whouse steroids

ATHLETES-STEROIDS FALLACY- ACTUAL SITUATION

FALLACYFALLACY

Uncompetitive Athletes(Losers)

Competitive Athletes(Winners)

Genetic FallacyGenetic FallacyThe origin of a claim or thing is The origin of a claim or thing is

presented. presented. The claim is true/(or false) or the thing The claim is true/(or false) or the thing

is supported (or discredited). is supported (or discredited). "Bill claims that 1+1=2. However, my parents brought me up to believe that 1+1=347, so Bill must be wrong."

Jake Friedman

Definition: This fallacy is committed when it is assumed that the middle

position between two extremes must be correct simply because it is the

middle position.

By Kelsey Santamaria

ExampleExample: Mr. : Mr. Jadadadada has a Jadadadada has a

tree in his tree in his backyard. Mrs. backyard. Mrs.

Guala says his tree Guala says his tree is killing her is killing her

petunias so she petunias so she tells him to cut it tells him to cut it

down. Mr. down. Mr. Jadadadada doesn’t Jadadadada doesn’t want to cut down want to cut down

his tree. Eventually his tree. Eventually it is decided for it is decided for only half of Mr. only half of Mr.

Jadadadada’s tree Jadadadada’s tree to be cut down. to be cut down.

Since he wants it Since he wants it and she doesn’t, and she doesn’t,

half must be correct half must be correct because it is a because it is a compromise.compromise.

Mr. Jadadadada

Appeal to Flattery

Flattery is presented in the place of evidence for accepting a claim.

Example:

“Wow mom, you look so skinny today, may I please get a raise in allowance and new rims for my car?”

You look so skinny mom!!!

Jessica Green

Questionable CauseQuestionable Cause

By: Rachel PratherBy: Rachel Prather

Period 4Period 4

What is a Questionable What is a Questionable Cause?Cause?

The general idea behind this fallacy is The general idea behind this fallacy is that it is an error in reasoning to that it is an error in reasoning to conclude that one thing causes another conclude that one thing causes another simply because the two are associated simply because the two are associated on a regular basis. More formally, this on a regular basis. More formally, this fallacy is committed when it is fallacy is committed when it is concluded that A is the cause of B concluded that A is the cause of B simply because they are associated on simply because they are associated on a regular basis. The error being made a regular basis. The error being made is that a causal conclusion is being is that a causal conclusion is being drawn from inadequate evidence. drawn from inadequate evidence.

(http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/questionable-cause.html)(http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/questionable-cause.html)

For Example…For Example…

Little Sally is on myspace and she decides Little Sally is on myspace and she decides to open a bulletin. The bulletin states that if to open a bulletin. The bulletin states that if the reader doesn’t repost it they will have the reader doesn’t repost it they will have an accident. Scoffing at the bulletin, Sally an accident. Scoffing at the bulletin, Sally shuts off the computer and goes to sleep. shuts off the computer and goes to sleep. The next day little Sally crosses the street The next day little Sally crosses the street and gets hit by a car and breaks her arm. As and gets hit by a car and breaks her arm. As soon as she gets home from the hospital soon as she gets home from the hospital she reposts the bulletin 100 times in order she reposts the bulletin 100 times in order to protect herself from further accidents.to protect herself from further accidents.

Visually…Visually…

Little Sally Little Sally browsing myspacebrowsing myspace

darn

Presenting unfavorable information about person A to person B, who has yet to meet person A, in

order to create a bias

Ex. During a speech or debate, you inform the

audience why the other person is wrong before

the have a chance to speak.

Biased SampleBiased Sample

This fallacy is committed This fallacy is committed when a person draws a when a person draws a

conclusion about a population conclusion about a population from a biased samplefrom a biased sample

Hmm, this Asian crashed, so that must mean that all Asians are bad drivers.

Ex: If someone assumes that every Asian is a poor motor vehicle manipulator after seeing one Asian involved in an accident.

Burden of Proof

- When the burden of proof is on the wrong side of the argument or- When Side A of an argument uses the lack of evidence for side B as Side A's evidence

Fallacy #19 Chris McIntyre

Appeal to EmotionAppeal to Emotion

Someone manipulates people’s emotions in order to get them to accept the claim as being true

The new buns burner will turn that blubber into steel. No longer troubled by your “extra” baggage, you can sport your new beautiful buns of brilliance with a delightful smile. Not only will you look amazing, but you’ll feel amazing, as the eyes of others are drawn to that delicious shake of steel. The buns burner: look great, feel even better.

Sam Mohan

The Gamblers FallacyThe Gamblers FallacyThe Gambler's Fallacy is committed The Gambler's Fallacy is committed

when a person assumes that a when a person assumes that a departure from what occurs on average departure from what occurs on average or in the long term will be corrected in or in the long term will be corrected in

the short term. the short term. Will is playing against Derrek in a WWII tank battle game. Derrek has had a great "streak of luck" and has been killing Will's tanks left and right with good die rolls. Will, who has a few tanks left, decides to risk all in a desperate attack on Derrek. He is a bit worried that Derrek might wipe him out, but he thinks that since Derrek’s luck at rolling has been great Derrek must be due for some bad dice rolls. Will launches his attack and Derrek butchers his forces.

Begging the QuestionBegging the Questionaka Circular Reasoningaka Circular Reasoning

Giving evidence for a claim by assuming that it is true; Giving evidence for a claim by assuming that it is true; assumption is the evidence. Usually follows this form: "X assumption is the evidence. Usually follows this form: "X

is true. The evidence for this claim is that X is true.”is true. The evidence for this claim is that X is true.”

"The belief in God is universal. After all, everyone believes "The belief in God is universal. After all, everyone believes in God.”in God.”

Lauren ZeidlerLauren Zeidler

Appeal to AuthorityAppeal to AuthorityDefinition- When the person in question is not a legitimate authority on the subject

Example- When Cartman tells everyone to RESPECT HIS AUTHORITY for no reason

Brett Nieman

Ad MisericordiamAd Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity)(Appeal to Pity)

An appeal to pity is when a person An appeal to pity is when a person uses a claim intended to cause uses a claim intended to cause pity instead of real evidence as pity instead of real evidence as

their argument.their argument.

"I should receive an 'A' in this class. If I do not get an 'A' I will not get the internship

I want."

Amelia Meier

Slippery Slope (Camel’s Nose)

Definition: A fallacy which assumes that taking a first step will lead to subsequent steps that cannot be prevented.

1. Event X has occurred (or might occur.)

2. Therefore event Y will inevitably happen

Example: "You can never give anyone a break. If you do, they'll walk all over you."

By Erik Anderson

Appeal to Common Appeal to Common PracticePractice

Definition: When most people do a Definition: When most people do a common action, it is used as “evidence” to common action, it is used as “evidence” to

support the action or practice. support the action or practice.

Example: “Sure, some people buy into that Example: “Sure, some people buy into that equality crap. However, we know that equality crap. However, we know that

everyone pays women less than men. It’s everyone pays women less than men. It’s okay, too. Since everyone does it, it can’t okay, too. Since everyone does it, it can’t

really be wrong.”really be wrong.”

Picture: Even if “everyone” Picture: Even if “everyone” is cheating on a test, it is cheating on a test, it

doesn’t make it moral or doesn’t make it moral or justified. justified.

Hasty Hasty GeneralizationGeneralization

Definition- This fallacy is committed Definition- This fallacy is committed when a person draws a conclusion when a person draws a conclusion about a population based on a sample about a population based on a sample that is not large enough that is not large enough

Example- “I met a feminist who hated Example- “I met a feminist who hated men, so all feminists must hate men.”men, so all feminists must hate men.”

Straw Man: A FallacyStraw Man: A Fallacy

Kyle StewartKyle Stewart

P-4P-4

DefinitionDefinition

When a person simply ignores a When a person simply ignores a person's actual position and person's actual position and substitutes a distorted, exaggerated or substitutes a distorted, exaggerated or misrepresented version of that positionmisrepresented version of that position

(http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/straw-(http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/straw-man.html)man.html)

ExampleExample

Mr. Conn:Mr. Conn: In this class we are going to write an In this class we are going to write an essay once a week so you are well essay once a week so you are well prepared for the AP test.prepared for the AP test.

Purposely nameless and faceless Purposely nameless and faceless student: student: Man, I hate writing pointless Man, I hate writing pointless essays every day.essays every day.

Graphic RepresentationGraphic Representation

(http://www-personal.umich.edu/~lilyth/cartoon/mrdid.jpg)

Appeal to NoveltyAppeal to Novelty The belief that simply The belief that simply

because something is new, because something is new, it is right.it is right.Example: Robot dancing is the new hip craze, therefore it

will bring about world peace.

Shealyn Hindenlang

Special PleadingSpecial Pleading ~imposing standards/beliefs and rules upon another but considering oneself exempt without an adequate explanation

Example:

Please don’t harrass, kick, abuse, caress, poke, prod, molest, ruffle, punch, pester, bother, or touch the animals. All touching rights are reserved for me, because I have magic fingers. Oooooo!

Natalie Lowell

Fallacies:Fallacies:Confusing Cause and Confusing Cause and

EffectEffectThis fallacy is committed when a person draws the This fallacy is committed when a person draws the conclusion that A is the cause of B simply because the events conclusion that A is the cause of B simply because the events A and B occur together.A and B occur together.The mistake being made is that the causal conclusion is The mistake being made is that the causal conclusion is being drawn without adequate justification. being drawn without adequate justification. Example: It is claimed by some people that severe illness is caused by depression and anger. After all, people who are severely ill are very often depressed and angry. Thus, it follows that the cause of severe illness actually is the depression and anger. So, a good and cheerful attitude is key to staying healthy. By Katie

Teare

Misleading Vividness is a fallacy in Misleading Vividness is a fallacy in which a very small number of which a very small number of

particularly dramatic events are particularly dramatic events are taken to outweigh a significant taken to outweigh a significant amount of statistical evidence.amount of statistical evidence.

Bill: one day I was walking and I tripped and fell on my face, then a bird came an pooped on me, then I got stepped on by a very heavy man with track shoes on (the ones with spikes on the bottom), then it started to rain and I got really wet and then I was struck by lightning. So I’m never going to walk again!

Bob: wow what is the probability of that, I bet it will never happen again. I wouldn't worry about it.

Bill: no way your crazy man that type of thing could happen to any one any second.

EXAMPLE

By: Ben Stillinger

Description of Appeal to Description of Appeal to Consequences of a BeliefConsequences of a Belief

Definition

1. X is true/false because if people did not accept X as true/false then there would be negative consequences.

2. X is true/false because if X is true/false there will be positive consequences.

3. I wish that X was true/false, therefore X is true/ false. This is also known as wishful thinking.

Examples

1. “I don’t think there will be a nuclear war. If I believed that, I wouldn’t be able to get up in the morning. I mean, how depressing.”

2. I have a great desire for Amelie Mauresmo to be the greatest tennis player, therefore, I accept her as the greatest tennis player.

=

Scott Heyman

By Katie McConnell

A relativist fallacy occurs when someone rejects a claim by asserting that the claim may be true for others….but not necessarily for them.

UGH! THE FORCES OF GAVITY MAKE STUFF

FALL…stuff like bad skiers like me...ahhh

Well, gravity may affect everything, but it doesn’t affect MEEE

Mmmkay I’m done.