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Logical Fallacy

The document explains various logical fallacies, which are mistakes in reasoning that undermine arguments. It details specific types of fallacies such as Ad Hominem, Strawman, Appeal to Ignorance, and others, providing definitions and examples for each. The purpose is to help individuals recognize flawed arguments in discussions and debates.

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12 views13 pages

Logical Fallacy

The document explains various logical fallacies, which are mistakes in reasoning that undermine arguments. It details specific types of fallacies such as Ad Hominem, Strawman, Appeal to Ignorance, and others, providing definitions and examples for each. The purpose is to help individuals recognize flawed arguments in discussions and debates.

Uploaded by

Haris
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Logical Fallacy

• A logical fallacy is a mistake in reasoning. It happens when someone


uses a bad argument to try to convince others of something. Logical
fallacies might sound convincing at first, but they often don’t make
sense when you think about them carefully.
Ad Hominem
• It is also called as abusive fallacy.
• The ad hominem fallacy occurs when someone makes use of
personal attacks.

• It shifts the focus from the issue being discussed to the individual's
character, behavior, or circumstances, often unfairly discrediting the
person.
Examples
What it is: Criticizing the person instead of their ideas.
Example:
• Person A: "We should recycle more to help the environment."
• Person B: "Why should we listen to you? You don’t even sort your own trash
properly!"

What it is: Accusing someone of hypocrisy instead of addressing their point.


Example:
• Parent: "You should quit smoking; it’s bad for your health."
• Teen: "Why should I listen to you? You smoked when you were younger!"
• The teen avoids the advice by pointing out the parent's past behavior.
Strawman fallacy
• The strawman fallacy happens when someone distorts, exaggerates, or
misrepresents another person’s argument to make it easier to attack.
• Instead of addressing the actual point, they create a "strawman" version of it—a
weaker or simplified version—and argue against that.

Example 1: Healthy Eating Debate


• Person A: "I think we should eat less junk food to stay healthy."
• Person B: "So you're saying we should never enjoy a burger or pizza again? That’s
so extreme!
Example 3: Environmental Action
• Person A: "We should focus on reducing plastic waste to help the environment."
• Person B: "Oh, so you think we should just stop using plastic altogether? That’s
impossible!"
Appeal to Ignorance
• The Appeal to Ignorance fallacy happens when someone argues that
something must be true (or false) simply because it hasn't been proven false
(or true).

• In other words, it's when a lack of evidence is used as evidence.

• Cheating in Class:
• "You can’t prove I was cheating during the test, so I wasn’t cheating!"
• The absence of proof doesn’t necessarily mean the person is innocent.
slippery slope fallacy

• The slippery slope fallacy is when someone argues that a small first step will
inevitably lead to a chain of related events resulting in something extreme or
undesirable, without providing evidence for this progression. It exaggerates
the consequences and assumes they are unavoidable.

• Example: "If we let our kids play video games for an hour a day, soon they’ll be
playing all day and fail in school!

• Example: "If I eat this one slice of cake, I’ll lose all my willpower, start eating
junk food every day, and become unhealthy.
hasty generalization fallacy
• The hasty generalization fallacy happens when someone makes a broad
conclusion based on insufficient or limited evidence/observations

• Situation: You meet two teenagers who are rude.


• Fallacy: "Teenagers today have no manners!

• Situation: You visit a city, and one person is unfriendly to you.


• Fallacy: "Everyone in this city is rude!
red herring fallacy
• The red herring fallacy happens when someone introduces an irrelevant topic
to distract from the main issue or argument.
• It’s like throwing a smelly fish (a red herring) into a discussion to lead people off
track.

• In Politics: During a debate, a candidate is asked about their policies on


healthcare.
• Candidate: "I think the real issue we should focus on is how our economy is
growing rapidly."
causation fallacy
• The causation fallacy occurs when someone wrongly assumes that just
because two things happen together , one must cause the other

• Situation: "People who wake up early and exercise are more successful in
life."
• Fallacy: Someone might claim, "Exercising in the morning guarantees
success!"
appeal to authority fallacy
• The appeal to authority fallacy happens when someone argues that a claim is
true simply because an authority or expert believes it, without providing solid
evidence. While experts can be reliable, this fallacy arises when the authority’s
expertise is irrelevant.

• Situation: You’re buying a phone.


• Claim: "This phone must be the best because my favorite actor says so.“

• Situation: A debate about climate change.


• Claim: "Climate change isn’t real because a famous economist said so."
appeal to emotion fallacy
• The appeal to emotion fallacy happens when someone tries to win an
argument by stirring up emotions like fear or pity, instead of providing
logical reasons or evidence. It relies on feelings rather than facts to persuade
others.

• Using fear to manipulate someone into agreeing.


Example:"If you don’t buy this expensive antivirus software, hackers will steal
all your personal information!“

• Using pity Example:


• "You should give me a higher grade on this test because I’ve been going
through a tough time lately."
Appeal to Bandwagon Fallacy
• The Appeal to Bandwagon Fallacy, also known as "Ad Populum", happens
when someone argues that something must be true or good just because
many people believe it or do it

• Example: "Everyone is choosing this university, so it must be the best place


to study.“

• Example: Everyone is choosing engineering as a career, so it must be the


best career to pursue.

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