Term
|
Definition
“Argument ad hominem”
Confused quality of person with quality of argument.
Mr. Neufled is a clever teacher. It does not mean that his opinions are clever.
If an argument is rejected because of the person, rather than the quality of the claim, it is an ad hominem.
*NOTE: It is perfectly acceptable to note some characteristics and make conclusions about bias or credibility, but it does NOT automatically mean their argument is wrong. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the view that an absence of evidence against a claim counts as evidence for that claim. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
When the conclusion is used to prove itself. (Circular reasoning)
Ex 1: Of course the defendant is guilty. She shows no remorse. (she could have not done it, why would she show remorse if she hadn’t done it)
Ex 2: “If such actions were not illegal, then they would not be prohibited by law.” (pretty much says that if smoking marijuana was legal, it would be legal.) |
|
|
Term
| misplacing the burden of proof |
|
Definition
Often a person will attempt to prove that their opponent is wrong…when they are required to show that they are right first.
1) Initial Plausibility: The less initial plausibility, the higher the burden of proof.
2) Affirmative/Negative
The burden of proof automatically falls on those supporting the affirmative side.
We want to know why something is true, rather than why it isn’t.
3) Special circumstances
Burden of proof is specified in advance.(i.e. innocent until proven guilty |
|
|
Term
| circumstantial ad hominem |
|
Definition
Uses someone’s circumstances to suggest an argument is wrong
Ex: Therefore it is perfectly acceptable to kill animals for food, I hope you won’t argue otherwise, given that you’re quite happy to wear leather shoes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
When alternatives are limited, and a choice is artificially made.
Famous Example “Pascal’s Wager”
a) You believe in God
If God exists you go to heaven: your gain is infinite.
If God does not exist, your loss is nothing
b) You do not believe in God.
If God exists, you go to hell: your loss is infinite.
If God does not exist, you gain nothing and lose nothing.
Therefore, it makes sense to ‘bet’ on God. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Refutes a claim based on its origin or history
Ex: “Leading Nazis, and early 1900 influential German biologists, revealed in their writings that Darwin’s theory and publications had a major influence upon Nazi race policies.” |
|
|
Term
| inconsistency from ad hominem |
|
Definition
Demonstrates that someone has changed their minds (which is irrelevant to the argument)
Example: Mr. Neufeld says that drinking is wrong, but I saw him in a bar last week.
(It may mean they’re less credible, but it doesn’t mean the claim itself is wrong.
Tu quoque (you too) – claiming that a claim is wrong because the person making the claim also does it. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Fallacy of insisting a ‘line’ must be drawn at some point.
Ex: i.e. Rodney King case (4 LA police officers severely beat King during the arrest.)
The first hit wasn’t excessive force.
There must be a point where the force became excessive (he was hit 50 times)
Since we can’t tell which hit was the start of excessive force none of them were.
The officers were acquitted. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Refection of an argument because it isn’t ‘perfect’, or doesn’t meet goals as well as someone wants.
You commit this fallacy if you demand a perfect solution and not accept anything less.
Common in “anti-science” arguments.
Ex: ‘Heidi is in her mid-20s and was sexually active with her boyfriend. Heidi: “no contraceptive is 100% reliable, therefore none of them is acceptable to me” |
|
|
Term
| personal attack ad hominem |
|
Definition
Highlights negative aspects of a person.
Exapmles: In a school debate, Fred claims that the Prime Minister’s economic plan is unrealistic. His opponent, (Mr. Neufeld), retorts by saying “the junior has his facts wrong.”
“The president’s economic plan will never work – he’s had an affair with an intern – he’s more concerned with fun than family.” |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
An ad hominem in advance. Give an unfavorable impression of a person in advance.
Ex: “Mr. Neufeld is NOT a liar.” |
|
|
Term
| begging the question argument |
|
Definition
when the conclusion is used to prove itself (circular reasoning)
ex: of course the defendant is guilty. she shows no remorse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
If we let X happen, then eventually Y will happen.
Before it can be used as an argument, you must show that Y follows X. it cannot be assumed.
Ex: “ We have to stop the tuition increase! The next thing you know, they’ll be charging $40,000 a semester!”
IT IS NOT a fallacy if it can be shown that one does lead to another. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
When an argument is misrepresented in order to make it easier to defeat.
Ex: Fred says he wants Canada to pull out of Afghanistan. I don’t know why he doesn’t want to support democracy. |
|
|
