| It is important to test the legitimacy of an argument. Recognizing common logical fallacies is one way to determine if an argument is conclusive. Even if an argument is flawed, the conclusion can still be true. However, that would be by coincidence, not design.
Knowing some of the more common logical fallacies is most useful when you know an argument is flawed, but you just can't say why. The following four most common logical fallacies rest on either ethos, a flawed relationship, or logos, flaws in the reasoning:
- Ad Hominem - Attacking the character of the arguer rather than the argument itself
This fallacy shifts attention to irrelevant features of the arguer's personality. Certainly, the credibility of the arguer is a factor in any argument, however, this flaw is a direct attack intended to shift attention from the debatable issue. Name calling, appeals to prejudice, and guilt by association are a few of the more common methods of ad hominem fallacies.
- Slippery Slope - End-of-the-world consequences
This fallacy bases itself on the fear that once a step is taken in a certain direction, then there is no stopping some dire consequence from occurring.
- False Dilemma - Oversimplifies a complex issue so that only two choices appear possible
This is a "love it" or "leave it" type of fallacy. Say what you will about him, but Clinton used this masterfully in the 1992 election for President. "Clinton or Crisis" won him the day.
- Hasty Generalization - Makes a broad generalization on the basis of too little evidence
This is the most common fallacy I see in student arguments. You need to provide sufficient evidence to prove your claims.
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