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Homepage > Logic > Informal Fallacies > Summary |
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Summary of Informal Fallacies Defined with Examples
1. Ad Ignorantiam (argument from ignorance)
E.g., There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that you wont do well in logic; therefore, we may conclude that you will do well. or E.g., There of no evidence to suggest that you will do well in logic; therefore we may safely conclude that you will not do well. 2. Ad Verecundiam (argument from authority) Authority on x, L, says accept
p. E.g., H. L. A. Jenkins, the noted international rose expert, has publicly stated that logic is essential to a life of excellence; surely such a renowned expert is trustworthy. How (or why) is p true? E.g., When are you going to stop fooling around and begin to take your education seriously? After all, your outlook on life will greatly improve when you cultivate consistent study habits. 4. Ad Hominem (argument against the person) L says p. E.g., You cant believe what Professor Smith says about teachers salaries, because as a teacher himself, naturally he would be in favor of higher earnings. 5. Accident Rule or general statement p is true in circumstances
x. E.g., The Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. gives all citizens the right to vote, so that clearly implies children citizens have the right to vote. 6. Converse Accident (hasty generalization) p is true in circumstance x. E.g., Not one person spoke to me on the way to the Library; so it's clear to me that Lander University is not as friendly as I was led to believe. 7. False Cause x is related to (or is
followed by)
y E.g., Since Mary sat in the back of the class and made an A on the last test, maybe I should sit there too. or E.g., Napoleon became a great emperor since he was so short. 8. Petitio Principii (circular argument)
E.g., Logic is an essential course because it is required at many colleges. It is required because the ability to reason is vital, and it is vital because logic is essential. 9. Ad Populum (argument from popular appeal)
E.g., Snob Appeal: Since you have chosen to live the good life and a life of distinction, you deserve Four Roses Furniture in your home to show your elevated station. E.g., Bandwagon: This logic course must be a good course because most people say so. 10. Ad Misericordiam (argument from pity or misery) L says p. E.g., Mary will be heartbroken if she does not get an A in logic; therefore, she deserves an A in order to spare her from personal disappointment. 11. Ignoratio Elenchi (irrelevant conclusion) E.g., There is little point in taking a logic course because you'll never get much money out of it. Note: Today, ignoratio
elenchi is often termed a non sequitur (any argument where the
conclusion does not logically follow from the premises). Since informal
fallacies are not formally identifiable, no complete standard
classification of the ways people can make mistakes in arguments is possible.
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