THE WRITING PROCESS:Drafting & RevisingLogical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies: What are they? Logical fallacies are arguments that

don’t work They seem convincing, but fail under close

examination

What do logical fallacies do? Oversimplify Assume Fail to provide evidence Make jumps in logic Divert attention from the real issues OVERALL: They damage your ethos

Logical Fallacies: How to spot them Imagine you’re a reader with an

opposing view What points would you criticize?

Bad words: always, never, and everyone Sweeping generalizations lead to overstating a

case

Logical Fallacies: Examples Generalization. A conclusion about an entire

group based on a sample that’s neither large enough nor truly representative. Having met several Texans, I can tell you that they

are all outgoing.

Non sequitur. No clear connection between a conclusion and its support. Latin for “it does not follow.” Congress will surely approve the education bill,

since they already passed the voting reform bill. Rabbits are a symbol of the American Dream

because Lennie and George work on a ranch.

Logical Fallacies: Examples Forced Hypothesis. The explanation is forced

because there’s not enough evidence. It often ignores alternative explanations or counter-arguments. Ex. Everyone clapped after Sophia’s recital, so she

must be an excellent pianist.

Slippery Slope. You cannot permit something because it leads to extreme consequences. Ex. If we allow the government to legalize

marijuana, it will next legalize cocaine and heroin. Before long, our kids will all be addicted to hard drugs.

Logical Fallacies: Examples Begging the Question or Circular

Reasoning. The claims of an argument assume the conclusion is true. Ex. Using a cell phone while driving is hazardous,

so it should be completely outlawed. ▪ This argument doesn’t offer proof that driving while using a

phone is dangerous, but simply asserts that it is and expects readers to agree.

Red Herring. An irrelevant topic is introduced, diverting attention from the relevant debate. Ex. The government cannot begin to improve

education until it balances the budget.

Logical Fallacies: Examples Straw Man. An argument that distorts the

opposition. Ex. People who oppose this education bill want us

to go back to the age of one-room school houses. Obviously, we live in a different era.▪ The author exaggerates the opposing side’s position,

creating a “straw man.” A man made of straw is easy to defeat.

Ad Populum. An argument that appeals to an audience’s presumed shared values. Latin for “to the people.” Ex. As good Texans, we want what’s best for our

beloved state, which is why we can all agree that Cowboy Bob is the best candidate for governor.