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MajorIronMouse30
Ad hominem abusive: Directs verbal abuse against the personality,…
Ad hominem abusive: Directs verbal abuse against the personality, traits, or identity of an opponent rather than directly addressing the merits of the opponent’s argument
Ad hominem circumstantial: Casts aspersions on the opponent’s circumstances (for example, accusations of a hidden agenda or vested interest) rather than directly addressing the merits of the opponent’s argument
Tu quoque: Accuses the opponent of hypocrisy or of arguing in bad faith (for example, by claiming that the opponent’s behavior contradicts his or her argument) rather than directly addressing the merits of the argument itself
Consider each of the following argumentative passages and indicate (i) whether it commits a fallacy and (ii) whether, specifically, it commits an argument against the person fallacy. (Note: It is possible for a single argument to commit more than one type of fallacy. Also, if an argument commits a different fallacy altogether, indicate that it does commit a fallacy but not the “argument against the person” fallacy.)Passage AI agree with the senator’s claim that we need to improve access to health care in this country. But studies show that an increase in tax revenue would be necessary to make significant improvements in that area. So I think the senator is wrong to call for tax cuts.
Passage A commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an argument against the person fallacy.
Passage BMy doctor said I should lose some weight to help lower my cholesterol. But she’s not exactly skinny herself! Maybe she should lose a few pounds before telling me to lose weight.
Passage B commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an argument against the person fallacy.
Passage CMr. Jones tries to convince us that our religious heritage has been an invaluable source of edification in the past and can be an invaluable resource for cultural renewal today. But what of all the atrocities that have been committed in the name of religion throughout human history? Just think of the wars that have been waged in the name of religion and the many other ill-advised enterprises that have arisen out of humanity’s religious fervor. We should reject Mr. Jones’s argument and recognize that such atrocities are neither edifying nor a promising resource for cultural renewal.
Passage C commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an argument against the person fallacy.
Passage DI deserve a higher grade on my paper. After all, I was up all night working on the paper, even though I had just found out that my grandmother is sick. And I have had to work really hard in this class because I find the material to be so difficult. Can’t you please appreciate my effort and raise my grade?
Passage D commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an argument against the person fallacy.
Passage ELet me remind you: Of the two of us, you are the one who has had a car accident. So you should stop nagging me every time I go a few miles over the speed limit … or run a stoplight … or occasionally make an illegal turn.
Passage E commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an argument against the person fallacy.
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5. Accident
you will practice identifying a fallacy that is usually referred to as an accident fallacy. This fallacy is often classified as a fallacy of relevance. In general, fallacies of relevance are distinguished by the tendency to rely on premises that appeal to some psychological motivation for accepting a conclusion and, thereby, distract the listener from recognizing that the premises are logically irrelevant to determining whether the conclusion is actually true. In particular, the accident fallacy attempts to lure someone into accepting a conclusion by appealing to some general rule that has broad appeal or acceptance among common listeners. The fallacious arguer then attempts to apply that rule to specific cases that the rule is not intended to cover. Thus, even though the rule itself may be appealing, it is irrelevant to the specific case at hand.
Consider each of the following argumentative passages and indicate (i) whether it commits a fallacy and (ii) whether, specifically, it commits an accident fallacy. (Note: It is possible for a single argument to commit more than one type of fallacy. Also, if an argument commits a different fallacy altogether, indicate that it does commit a fallacy but not the “accident” fallacy.)
Passage A
Speeding is against the law. The driver of that speeding fire truck deserves a ticket.
Passage A commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an accident fallacy.
Passage B
Dwayne James is the best player in the league, and he wears only Nikverse brand shoes. If you get Nikverse brand shoes, then maybe you could be the next Dwayne!
Passage B commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an accident fallacy.
Passage C
The Bible says to humans: “Thou shalt not kill.” Clearly, the Bible intended for humans to be scavengers, not hunters.
Passage C commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an accident fallacy.
Passage D
The speed limit on this street is 35 miles per hour. So if a police officer catches you driving 60 miles an hour on this street, don’t be surprised if he or she gives you a speeding ticket.
Passage D commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an accident fallacy.
Passage E
Honesty, compassion, fairness, and good judgment are traits that Sally admires in her friends. So if I want Sally to remain my friend, I should try to be honest, compassionate, fair, and wise in my dealings with her.
Passage E commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit an accident fallacy.
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Consider each of the following argumentative passages and indicate (i) whether it commits a fallacy and (ii) whether, specifically, it commits a straw man fallacy. (Note: It is possible for a single argument to commit more than one type of fallacy. Also, if an argument commits a different fallacy altogether, indicate that it does commit a fallacy but not the “straw man” fallacy.)Passage AMr. Jones tries to convince us that our religious heritage has been an invaluable source of edification in the past and that it can be an invaluable resource for cultural renewal today. But Mr. Jones has not explained what specific resources “religion” provides that secular wisdom does not similarly offer. Nor is he specific about the role he sees religion playing in “cultural renewal” or what such renewal even means. If Mr. Jones is advocating opposition to our traditional separation between church and state, then we should be cautious about Mr. Jones’s claims.
Passage A commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit a straw man fallacy.
Passage BMr. Jones tries to convince us that our religious heritage has been an invaluable source of edification in the past and that it can be an invaluable resource for cultural renewal today. But what of all the atrocities that have been committed in the name of religion throughout human history? Just think of the wars that have been waged in the name of religion and the many other ill-advised enterprises that have arisen out of humanity’s religious fervor. We should reject Mr. Jones’s argument and recognize that such atrocities are neither edifying nor a promising resource for cultural renewal.
Passage B commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit a straw man fallacy.
Passage CMr. Smith and Mr. Wesson insist that a citizen’s right to bear arms should remain an inviolable liberty. But if they think we are just going to stand by and let criminals flood our streets with guns, then they’ve got another thing coming. We have a responsibility to our children, our society, and ourselves to see that this never happens. Accordingly, we have a responsibility to reject Mr. Smith’s and Mr. Wesson’s position.
Passage C commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit a straw man fallacy.
Passage DI think you should give me a special discount on this product. After all, I know some people around here who would do just about anything to see your store go out of business. And I may be the only person who can stop them.
Passage D commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit a straw man fallacy.
Passage EMy girlfriend says she wants me to buy her flowers once in a while. Apparently my girlfriend thinks I can drop everything to be at her beck and call. She clearly has no respect for my autonomy and the fact that I have to work for a living. Given her unreasonable expectations, she doesn’t deserve any flowers from me.
Passage E commit a fallacy; specifically, it commit a straw man fallacy.
