Logical Fallacies

1
Logical Fallacies

• "A logical fallacy is a false statement that
  weakens an argument by distorting an issue,
  drawing false conclusions, misusing evidence, or
  misusing language."
• (Dave Kemper et al., Fusion Integrated Reading
  and Writing. Cengage, 2015)

2
In the notes section

• Logical Fallacies at the top
• Write each term and skip three lines.
• Loaded Terms
• Denotations
• Connotations
• Aphorism
• Epigraph
• False Assumption
• Caricature
• Leading Question

3
Logical Fallacies

• Loaded terms words with strong emotional
  associations. They seem to exaggerate the
  qualities of a thing or idea.
• Word Choice
• Denotations- the specific meanings of words.
• Connotations- the positive or negative ideas
  associated with the word
• Mayhem
• Power

4
Logical Fallacies

• Phrase Choice
• Aphorism- a statement of truth or opinion
  expressed in a concise and witty manner.
• A good time to keep your mouth shut is when
  you're in deep water.
• Life isn't tied with a bow but it's still a gift.
• Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if
  you'll die tomorrow.
• Epigraphs-  A brief motto or quotation set at the
  beginning of a text to suggest the theme.

5
Logical Fallacies

• False Assumptions and Incorrect Premises-Writers
  use flawed starting points for arguments, and
  their conclusions are invalid.
• False Assumption Eating at night makes you fat.
• Reality Calories count whenever you eat them.
• False Assumption Information written online is
  true.
• Reality Not everything written online is
  factual, information should be verified by a
  variety of reputable sources.
• To find out if a statement is a false assumption
  or incorrect premise, ask Is this true in EVERY
  case? If the answer is no, then the argument is
  invalid.

6
Logical Fallacies

• Caricatures
• Writers use extreme descriptions of people
• or positions to appeal to the readers
• emotions.

7
Logical Fallacies

• Leading Questions
• Writers use questions worded in ways that suggest
  the desired answers. They can refer to
  authorities or experts in the questions.
• You were at Cinemark last night, weren't you?
• It suggests that the witness was at Cinemark on
  the night in question.
• Where were you last night?
• This form of question does not suggest to the
  witness the answer the examiner hopes to elicit.
• Bugs

8
Practice with your shoulder partner

• On a notecard number 1-5
• Write a sentence that includes at least 2 loaded
  words. Think about the connotations of the words.
• Write one aphorism relevant to your life. (a
  saying that applies to you)
• Write one false assumption and the reality
  relevant to your life.
• If you were to draw a caricature, who/what would
  it be of and why?
• Write one leading question and one non-leading
  question?