What happens when an argument goes horribly wrong?

Definition

A fallacy is an error in reasoning

Typically, a fallacy is based on an incorrect inference or a misuse of evidence

Introduction to n the Fallacy Now that you have learned the three

argumentative techniques (ethos, pathos, logos) as well as stylistic devices to strengthen a claim, let’s take a look at the fallacies (or abuses) that can be the undoing of the claim.

When Ethos goes wrong…

Poisoning the Well(Name Calling)

Attack the person rather than dealing with the issue

○ Example 1: Choose this shampoo…not that one! That brand will make your hair smell like a grapefruit and it will be really hard to style, too.

○ Example 2: How can Clinton be a good president? He had an affair with Monica Lewinsky!

False Credibility

The author may be an authority in one field but may know nothing about another field.Example:

○ A popular sports star may know a lot about football, but very little about shaving cream.

○ I may not be a doctor, but I play one on Grey’s Anatomy and I think you should take this medication.

When Pathos goes wrong

Appeal to Pity (ad misericordiam) The appeal to pity: Making the reader

accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone.

○ Example : I know the exam is graded based on performance, but you should give me an A. My cat has been sick, my car broke down, and I’ve had a cold, so it was really hard tor me to study!

Bandwagon

Claiming the popularity of an idea makes it good. Emotionally, other people don’t want to feel left out, so they’ll want to join in.Ex. A lot of people I know own an Xbox

One, so I guess I should buy one.Problem with example: So everyone having and

Xbox One automatically makes it better? What if the person likes the games better on the Playstation 4 or Nintendo Wii?

When Logos goes wrong

Sweeping Generalizationalso known as Dicto Simpliciter The author describes a situation in a manner

that is too broad.Example:

○ But mom, everyone failed the test.

Look for words like all, everyone, every time, anything, no one, and none.Example:

○ No one cares that there is not enough parking downtown.

○ Everyone has fond memories of high school.

Hasty Generalization An assumption is made…based on too little

evidence and then an overgeneralization/sweeping generalization is madeExample: I heard two girls from our rival high

school ran away from home and stole a car. Wow, all the girls at that high school must be wild!

Example: On the first day of school in my honors class, the teacher gave me homework. Honors classes are

Oversimplification The author describes a complex situation

as being much simpler than it is and could be used in combination with another fallacy.

Example:Making the team depends on whether the

coach likes you. (faulty cause and effect)If you just show up for class, you’ll get a good

grade.(hypothesis contrary to fact)

Circular Reasoning

The author supports a statement simply by repeating it in different words.Example:

○ Teenagers should avoid fad diets because it is important for adolescents to stay away from popular weight-loss plans.

Cause/Cause reasoningExample:

○ Richardson is the most successful mayor the town has ever had because he's the best mayor of our history.

Either/Or

Saying you have only two options.Example 1: You can either drive a Ford or a

Chevrolet.Problem with example: There aren’t just two car

makes out there. You could drive a Toyota, Nissan, Dodge, and others.

Red Herring/Avoiding The Issue The author introduces irrelevant material

to the issue being discussed. Attention is diverted from the issue at hand and toward a different conclusion. Example:

Yes, I forgot to bring your lunch today but you never eat lunch and today you were focused on Amber. So what is the deal with you and Amber?

Hypothesis Contrary to Fact Offering a poorly supported claim about

what might have happened in the past or future, if (the hypothetical part) circumstances or conditions were different.  The fallacy also entails treating future hypothetical situations as if they are fact.

Example: John, if you would have taken a shower more often, you would still be dating Tina.

False Cause (Post Hoc) The author claims that an event occurred because

another event occurred prior to it. Similar to cause and effect; however, the first

event does not CAUSE the second making this a faulty cause and effect.Example:

○ She walks to the store and

back every day, so surely

she can walk in the 10k race.

Slippery Slope..a post hoc that just keeps on going… The author argues: should one event

occur, so will other harmful events. There is no proof made that the harmful events are caused by the first event. Example:

○ Think of the children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie…” or the commercial for Direct TV

False Analogy

The author incorrectly makes an analogical connection between two unconnected items.Example:

○ I think you should give me credit for this class because Joe comes to class only three days out of the week and I’m here everyday.

○ You passed everyone else in the class so I should receive credit like my fellow classmates.