Look for these in the arguments of others and avoid them in your own arguments.

Logical Fallacies Common errors in reasoning that will ____________the logic of your argument Can be either _______ arguments or ____________ points Often lack _________ to __________ their claim

Slippery Slope Definition: A conclusion based on the premise that if A happens, eventually B, C, D…Y, Z will happen. Example: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Explanation: Basically, equating A to Z.

Hasty Generalization Definition: This is a conclusion based on narrow or insufficient (not enough) evidence. Rushing to a conclusion before you have all of the information. Example: One study shows that school uniforms led to decreased violence in an urban high school, so if all students wear uniforms, we will be able to decrease violence everywhere. Explanation: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Circular Argument/Reasoning Also called Begging the Question Definition: This restates the argument rather than proving it. Example: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Explanation: using the claim itself as support

Either-Or Reasoning Definition: This is a conclusion that polarizes the argument to only two sides. Example: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Explanation: Seeing an issue as black or white with no shades of gray in between

Ad hominem Definition: (Latin for “to the man”) This is an attack on the arguer instead of the argument. Example: President Smith’s proposal to raise taxes is ridiculous because he had an affair with his secretary. Explanation: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Ad populum Definition: (Latin for “to the public”)This is an _________________________that speaks to positive or negative concepts rather than_____________________________________. Example: A recent poll shows that a majority of people believe that marijuana should be legalized; therefore, it should be. Explanation: The writer appeals to the feelings, passions, or prejudices of a large segment of the population. Uses bandwagon to persuade.

Red herring Definition: This is a distraction tactic that avoids the key issues, often by _____________________________. The level of mercury in the seafood may be unsafe, but what will the fisherman do for their families without jobs? Explanation: Shifting the focus of discussion to points that have nothing to do with the actual argument

False analogy Definition: Consists of _________________that because two things are alike in one or some ways, they are ______________ in some other respect. Example: Tobacco and marijuana are both substances that people smoke, so it doesn’t make sense that one should be legal and one should be illegal. Explanation: Comparing two situations that have some similarities, but treating them like they are the same in all respects.