Fallacies in Argumentation

Logical Fallacies or Fallacies in Argumentation

by Matt Slick 

There are different kinds of logical fallacies that people make in presenting their positions.  Below is a list of some of the major fallacies.  It is a good idea to be familiar with them so you can point them out in a discussion, thereby focusing the issues where they belong while exposing error.

It is true that during a debate on an issue, if you simply point out to your “opponent” a logical fallacy that he/she has just made, it generally gives you the upper hand.  But then, merely having the upper hand is not the goal: truth is.  Nevertheless, logical fallacies hide the truth, so pointing them out is very useful.

1. Ad hominem – Attacking the individual instead of the argument.
   1. Example:  You are so stupid your argument couldn’t possibly be true.
   2. Example:  I figured that you couldn’t possibly get it right, so I ignored your comment.
2. Appeal to force - Telling the hearer that something bad will happen to him if he does not accept the argument. 
   1. Example:  If you don’t want to get beaten up, you will agree with what I say.
   2. Example:  Convert or die.
3. Appeal to pity – Urging the hearer to accept the argument based upon an appeal to emotions, sympathy, etc. 
   1. Example:  You owe me big time because I really stuck my neck out for you.
   2. Example:  Oh come on, I’ve been sick.  That’s why I missed the deadline.

Read More Here:  http://carm.org/logical-fallacies-or-fallacies-argumentation

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