Finding Fallacies: Discussion Question

Topic

Finding Fallacies: Discussion Question

Instructions 

Find fallacies in the public media that you can share with the class.

Find ONE fallacy from EACH chapter, from the list below: (total of two fallacies)

From Ch. 5, Fallacies of Relevance:
–Bandwagon Argument
–Straw Man
–Red Herring
–Scare Tactics

From Ch. 6, Fallacies of Insufficient Evidence:
–Slippery Slope
–False Alternatives
–Questionable Cause
–Loaded Question

For each example:

a) Remember that fallacies are arguments, so you should provide: 1) the type of fallacy, and 2) the argument that contains the fallacy. Be sure you clearly identify the conclusion of the argument.

b) Avoid posting the entire article. However, make sure you provide enough of the source to show the fallacy – often this requires more than one or two lines, the context, the speaker, etc. If you do post something extensive, be sure to highlight the salient aspects.

c) Identify each fallacy (one from Ch. 5 and one from Ch. 6).

d) Cite your source. The source must be a “print” media (Newspaper, magazine, article, etc.), electronic text from a website, or if you find a video clip you should have been able to reference a stable link on the internet. In other words, you must provide a verifiable source. This should include the author, name of the paper or magazine, and issue date or web address with the date you accessed the site.

e) Do not simply ostensively identify the fallacy with your example. Explain why you think it commits the fallacy you claim. This entails briefly defining the fallacy and explaining how and why your passage exemplifies the fallacy. This often involves discussing the relationship between the premises and the conclusion of the fallacious argument.

*Originality and Reviewing other students’ posts that have come before yours is important in this DQ. We might all read and watch the same newspapers, TV shows, etc. Points will be deducted if you use the same example (same part of the same article) as another student who has posted before you.