Fallacies

This are my top 5 Fallacies with descriptions and examples.

1.- Argument from Ignorance

Nothing is known about A. Yet a conclusion is drawn about A.

It’s based on circumstantial evidence, only logic, with no physical evidence.

Example

You live on Sunny Street. You have a gun. Nobody else on Sunny Street has a gun. There was a murder on Sunny Street last night. You were involved.

You live on Sunny Street. You have a gun. The person was knifed. You were not involved.

2.- Appeal to Emotion

X makes me feel good. Therefore, X is true.

Since emotion it’s a good percentage to take a decision, most of the arguments are deliberate manage by the messenger, depending on the audience they want to get involved

Example

Our new cutlery set will make you feel so good when you see it laid out on your dining table. 'Style and Grace' is the right thing or you.

The Maki people of the South are known to be invading our towns! They are corrupting our children and taking our jobs!! Vote for me and I will eradicate this menace!

3.- Appeal to Ridicule

X is amusing, absurd. Therefore, it is false.

Mock the other person's claim and argument. Make fun of it. Get people to laugh at it.

Also, the social position, or social status can make you take a false decision.

Example

Supporting that cause would take several surgical trusses.

Those other cars look ridiculous. This is the only man's car here.

4.- Division

X has characteristic Y. P is a part of X, so also has characteristic Y.

The general assumption is that the parts of a system all have characteristics of the whole system.

This create confusion by assuming that because partial of a group has some characteristics of the other, makes all parts the same.

Example

Welsh people speak Welsh. You are Welsh -- so you can speak Welsh.

Cars go fast. A seat is a part of a car. So, seats go fast.

Tomatoes are red. So, the pips inside are also red.

You are work in Hewlett Packard, which makes computers. So, you can make computers.

5.- False Effect

X apparently causes Y. Y is wrong. So, X is wrong.

This it’s just an assumption, trying to prove something it’s wrong by having a cause before the cause.

Example

I pulled on the string and the kite fell to ground. Pulling on the string is therefore ineffective.

Loud music leads to deafness. Turn that music down.

Eating sweets makes you happy. You should eat sweets.

Changing W. (2019), Fallacies: alphabetic list, http://changingminds.org/disciplines/argument/fallacies/fallacies_alpha.htm

---Miguel ---