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Even when all of the premises of an argument are reliably true, the argument may still be invalid if the logic
employed is not legitimate a so-called logical fallacy.
1. Ad hominem
An ad hominem argument is any that attempts to counter anothers claims or conclusions by attacking the
person, rather than addressing the argument itself.
A common form of this fallacy is also frequently present in the arguments of conspiracy theorists (who
also rely heavily on ad-hoc reasoning). For example, they may argue that the government must be lying
because they are corrupt.
i.e. John is a jerk. is not a fallacy. John is wrong because he is a jerk. is a logical fallacy.
2. Ad ignorantiam
The argument from ignorance basically states that a specific belief is true because we dont know that it
isnt true. Defenders of extrasensory perception, for example, will often overemphasize how much we do
not know about the human brain. It is therefore possible, they argue, that the brain may be capable of
transmitting signals at a distance.
Intelligent design is almost entirely based upon this fallacy. The core argument for intelligent design is
that there are biological structures that have not been fully explained by evolution, therefore a powerful
intelligent designer must have created them.
In order to make a positive claim, however, positive evidence for the specific claim must be presented.
The absence of another explanation only means that we do not know it doesnt mean we get to make
up a specific explanation.
7. Bandwagon
a fallacy in which a threat of rejection by one's peers (or peer pressure) is substituted for evidence in an
"argument." This line of "reasoning" has the following form:
Joe: "Bill, I know you think that 1+1=2. But we don't accept that sort of thing in our group. "
Bill: "I was just joking. Of course I don't believe that."
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Philo. 1 - Introduction to Philosophy and Logic
The classic example of begging the question is to ask someone if they have stopped beating their wife yet.
Of course, the question assumes that they every beat their wife.
12. Inconsistency
Applying criteria or rules to one belief, claim, argument, or position but not to others. For example, some
consumer advocates argue that we need stronger regulation of prescription drugs to ensure their safety
and effectiveness, but at the same time argue that medicinal herbs should be sold with no regulation for
either safety or effectiveness.
13. Non-Sequitur
In Latin this term translates to "doesn't follow". This refers to an argument in which the conclusion does
not necessarily follow from the premises. In other words, a logical connection is implied where none
exists.
"Tens of thousands of Americans have seen lights in the night sky which they could not identify. The
existence of life on other planets is fast becoming certainty!
15. Tu quoque
Literally, you too. This is an attempt to justify wrong action because someone else also does it.
example 1: "My words were impolite, but so is yours."
example 2: Gusto ko mag-damo dahil ginagawa naman ng mga kaibigan ko.
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Philo. 1 - Introduction to Philosophy and Logic