LOGICAL FALLACIES

Logical Fallacies



Logical Fallacies

What are Fallacies?

A fallacy is an invalid or incorrect reasoning but with the appearance of correct reasoning. The reasoning is misleading or wrong (false), but pretending to be convincing or persuasive. All are reasoning fallacies that violate any logic rule. Thus, for example, argues to present adequate reasons against the position defended by a person is attacked and discredited, going against the person without challenging what he says or she says. The logical fallacies are usually classified into formal and informal.

Non-formal fallacies

Formal Fallacies are not reasoning in which their contribution is not suitable premises to justify the conclusion that people want to go. They want to convince not giving good reasons but by appealing to elements to be irrelevant or even irrational. When the premises are sound information, which are in any case, a different conclusion than is made which is intended. The above example of fallacy is a fallacy if not formal; disqualify the person who argues instead of refuting their reasons. The list of non-formal fallacies is long, some of which are as followed: (Fischhoff, 2008, pp. 12-28)

1- Fallacy ad hominem (directed against the man)

Reasoning that, instead of presenting adequate reason to refute a particular position or conclusion is attacked or discredits the person who defends. Example: "Environmentalists say that people consume too much energy, but do not listen because environmentalists always exaggerate."

2- Ad baculum fallacy (It appeals to the pole)

Reasoning on which to draw a conclusion or position does not give reasons but is shifted to the threat of force or fear. It is an argument that can win, but not convincing. Example: "Do not come to work at the store with this piercing, remember who pays, boss."

3- Fallacy ad verecundiam (This is an appeal to authority)

Reasoning or discourse when it argues for a conclusion or opinion does not give reasons but by appealing to some authority, most or some custom. It should be noted that in some cases may be legitimate to go to a recognized authority on the subject, but not always a guarantee. Example: "According to the mayor, the best for the citizens' health is paved all the streets of the city" (Gerrard, 2008, pp. 29-61)

4- Fallacy ad populum (For the people causing emotions)

Reasoning or discourse in which omits the right reasons and set out reasons not connected with the conclusion but it is known and will be accepted by the audience, arousing feelings and emotions. It is a seductive argument or demagoguery. Example: "We have to ban people coming from outside. What will our children if the foreigners steal the work and bread?"

5- Fallacy ad ignorantiam (For Ignorance)

It is the reasoning which seeks to defend the truth (falsity) of a statement by the fact that people cannot prove otherwise. Example: "Nobody can prove that there is no influence of the stars in our life, therefore, the predictions of astrology are true"

6- Fallacy Post hoc (Fake case)

Reasoning from the coincidence of two phenomena is established, without sufficient basis, a causal ...