Slippery Slope Fallacy By: Cody Blakley

Definition of “Slippery Slope” ▪ Slippery Slope: An idea or course of action which will lead to something unacceptable, wrong, or disastrous. This fallacy is often used in order to influence one’s decision one way or another.

Universal Example of “Slippery Slope” ▪

Examples of “Slippery Slope” in The Crucible ▪ Type of fallacy: Slippery Slope ▪ Character: Rev. Parris ▪ Example: “Thomas, Thomas, I pray you, leap not to witchcraft. I know that you – you least of all, Thomas, would ever wish so disastrous a charge laid upon me. We cannot leap to witchcraft. They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house.” Act I – Pg. 172 ▪ Problem: Parris is under the impression that if he is accused of witchcraft by Thomas Putnam then the courts of Salem would find him guilty and banish him from Salem and remove him from his position of reverend. This idea is far fetched as Parris holds an “authoritative” position and reputable status in the community as he is the Salem Church’s reverend. ▪ Lastname, First name. "The Crucible." Title of Collection. Ed. Editor's Name(s). City of Publication: Publisher, Year Print.

Examples of “Slippery Slope” in The Crucible ▪ Type of fallacy: Slippery Slope ▪ Character: Giles Corey ▪ Example: “My proof is there! If Jacobs hangs for witch he forfeits up his property-that’s law! And there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece. This man is killing his neighbors for their land!” Act III – Pg. 214 ▪ Problem: Giles Corey is accusing Thomas Putnam of false accusations in order to gain land. This is a very “slippery slope” as Giles, an older man who is not always taken sincerely, is saying that Putnam is killing people through legalities in order to gain land which is a horrific accusation and no reputable person would do such a thing. ▪ Lastname, First name. "The Crucible." Title of Collection. Ed. Editor's Name(s). City of Publication: Publisher, Year Print.