Logical Fallacies

Abstract

Fallacy can be viewed as a mistake, because of a wrong conclusion, which can be drawn from two true facts. A logical fallacy is just a mistake in reasoning. There are many types of logical fallacies, all with different reasoning.

Keywords: fallacy and reasoning

Introduction

I will demonstrate my understanding of the following logical fallacies, in which I will be using in my own words to provide a definition for each term and provide an argument as well. The terms I will be defining in my own words are: mere assertion, circular reasoning, ad hominem, red herring, pseudo - questions, false cause, sweeping generalizations, slippery slope, and equivocation or changing meanings.

Mere assertion

Mere assertion is like stating something without giving a reason for stating it. Mere assertion is kind of like brainwashing someone to believe what there are saying is correct. Argument: it's like me saying "2+2=5. I didn't reason as to why I said it. I believe 2+2=5. No one can tell me anything different. However, a math teacher can argue positively, because of his years of studying and teaching math as his/her evidence.

Circular Reasoning

Circular reasoning is simply put; it is a claim that uses a claim to prove its claim. It can also be explained as an interpretation drawn from a premise, but it includes the conclusions and is then used to prove the premises. Argument: God is Jesus and the Holy Spirit all in one, because the Bible says God is. This is a circular reasoning, because Christians uses scriptures to prove this claim. Some Christians will even tell you what books in the Bible to help explain this premise.

Ad hominem

Ad hominem is like what some people are doing with President Obama. They are attacking him instead of the issues at hand. Argument: for instance, the healthcare reform, President Obama is trying to do something to help make healthcare affordable, but he is being attacked because of his character or background. Most any bill that President Obama tries to pass is rejected, merely because of his ethnic background.

Red Herring

Red herring is changing a subject or topic on purpose in order to distract from addressing the original topic or subject. Argument: I understand your brakes on your truck just stopped working, but if you had gone to Wal-Mart yesterday, you could have avoided this problem. This is a red herring, because the key issue was the truck not working. The key issue was avoided rather than addressed.

Pseudo -questions

Pseudo - questions which means false,