Understanding Informal Reasoning Fallacies: Key Examples Explained
This overview explains various informal reasoning fallacies, featuring notable examples such as the Ad Ignorantiam, exemplified by the 1960s Communist witch hunt. It discusses fallacies like Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc and Circular Reasoning, highlighting flawed arguments like “murder rates increase after abolishing capital punishment” and the misconception of limited solutions in discussions about pro-life versus pro-choice. Understanding these fallacies is crucial for critical thinking and effective argumentation.
Understanding Informal Reasoning Fallacies: Key Examples Explained
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Presentation Transcript
Ad Ignorantiam: Something is true on the grounds that there is no evidence to disprove it. • The Communist witch hunt in the 1960’s • “ There is nothing in his files to say he is not a communist” • Senator Joe McCarthy
Post hoc ergo propter hoc • A follows B then B must be the cause of A • Murder rate goes up after the abolition of capital punishment, therefore can we say that capital punishment is an effective deterrent • It could be the case but we need more evidence
Explain this • As the number of churches in American cities increase so does the number of prostitutes!!!
Ad hominem • You attack the supporters of an argument • You may have a vested interest in something but that does not mean you cannot be fair.
Circular reasoning • Assuming the truth in something you are supposed to be proving • Page 126 in book
False Dilemma • Assuming there are only 2 ways of solving something when there are other options • Binary thinking • Pro life/ pro choice
Loaded Question • Do you always cheat in exams
