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Logical Fallacies

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Title: Logical Fallacies Last modified by: User Created Date: 1/13/2006 8:11:25 PM Document presentation format: On-screen Show Company: Northern Arizona University – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Logical Fallacies


1
Logical Fallacies
  • Introduction and Activities

2
What is a logical fallacy?
  • A fallacy is an error of reasoning. These are
    flawed statements that often sound true
  • Logical fallacies are often used to strengthen an
    argument, but if the reader detects them the
    argument can backfire, and damage the writers
    credibility

3
Origins
  • The word fallacy may derive from the Latin word
    fallere meaning, to deceive, to trip, to lead
    into error or to trick. The word may also
    derive from the Greek phelos, meaning
    deceitful.
  • www.sun-design.com/talitha/fallacies.htm

4
Why study logical fallacies?
  • It is important to develop logical fallacy
    detection skills in your own writing, as well as
    others.
  • Think of this as intellectual kung-fu the art
    of intellectual self defense. (Logical Fallacies
    Handlist)

5
Types of Logical Fallacies
  • The following slides will briefly explain various
    categories under which logical fallacies can be
    divided. Each slide contains one example from
    that category please keep in mind there are many
    kinds of fallacies in each category.
  • For a comprehensive list see the following
    websites
  • http//sun-design.com/talitha/fallacies.html
  • http//owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_
    fallacies.html
  • www.datanation.com/fallacies/index.htm

6
Types of Logical Fallacies
  • Fallacies of Relevance
  • These fallacies appeal to evidence or examples
    that are irrelevant to the argument at hand.
  • Bandwagon Approach
  • It must be cool because everyone is doing it

7
Types of Logical Fallacies
  • Component Fallacies
  • Component fallacies are errors in the process of
    reasoning.
  • Slippery Slope
  • If you dont stop smoking cigarettes, then you
    are going to start shooting heroin.
  • Marijuana is the gateway drug.

8
Types of Logical Fallacies
  • Fallacies of Ambiguity
  • These errors occur with ambiguous (unclear) words
    or phrases.
  • Division what is true of the whole, or the
    group, must be true of the parts, or the members
  • I have so much homework to do, I wont even try
    to get started.

9
Types of Logical Fallacies
  • Fallacies of Omission
  • - Material is simply left out
  • - Stacking the Deck
  • - Its impossible to write a bad essay when
    there are such fantastic instructors in this
    department!

10
More Fallacies
  • On your own, visit the links below to explore the
    vast universe of logical fallacies!
  • http//sun-design.com/talitha/fallacies.html
  • http//owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_
    fallacies.html
  • www.datanation.com/fallacies/index.htm

11
Classroom Activities
  • (Using a printout of the Owl fallacy list)
  • Logical fallacy roundup in groups, search
    websites, newspapers, advertisements, etc. to
    find arguments that may contain logical
    fallacies. Present these to the class.
  • Find two logical fallacies to share with the
    class

12
Activities, contd
  • Using your list of fallacies, create examples of
    your own
  • Write a short op/ed article that is based on one
    logical fallacy
  • Write an argument using as many logical fallacies
    as you can
  • Make a chart to tally logical fallacies that you
    hear in everyday conversation

13
Even more activities
  1. Bring in visual examples of logical fallacies
    from advertisements, etc.
  2. Identify fallacies from in-class video screening
  3. Identify logical fallacies from editorial
    cartoons

14
In conclusion, always be on the lookout for
faulty reasoning!
  • If you read this PowerPoint and completed some of
    the activities, you are a genius!
  • Congratulations!
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