Are you losing an argument to a logical fallacy? Part 2
Part 2 of 3 of a series defining the top 30 logical fallacies people us in their arguments.
We looked at ten logical fallacies in the last posting and gave examples.
A recap … A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning or an idea that does not make sense logically. There are two major types of logical fallacies, formal and informal. In formal fallacies, there needs to be a solution to how you structure your argument and make your points. You might be speaking the truth, but the logic breaks down because of the way you're putting your arguments together.
What are you saying in informal fallacies? The information might need to be corrected or more accurate. This posting will focus on informal fallacies as they can be common in everyday debate, and you will start to see these in use in both others' arguments and your own.
Here are the next ten.
Ad Ignorantiam (“argument from ignorance”) – believing something is true because you don’t know it’s false.
Example: Because you can't prove aliens don’t exist, they do exist
Unexplained and Unexplainable – because it can not be explained today, it is not explainable.
Example: Because it can’t be explained why our brains do something, we will never know
False Continuum – when things are similar, we assume they are the same.
Example: Cults and mainstream religion share many of the same features, so they are the same thing.
False Dichotomy – reducing the set of possibilities to just two to make a case by ignoring other variables.
Example: If you can't prove aliens exist, then they don’t (FYI, they may, but we don’t know)
False Analogy – using an analogy that is not relevant to win an argument.
Example: Computers receive and store input in discrete bits, and ideas in the brain are formed from discrete bits of information.
Genetic Fallacy – arguing something based on where it came from rather than what it is today.
Example: VW is a bad company because it was formed by Hitler (accurate but not relevant today – also used Godwin’s law!)
Inconsistency – applying rules to one thing but not using the same rules to something similar.
Example: Pharmaceuticals drugs should be double-blind tested, but natural remedies don’t require the same level of proof (also see Appeal to Nature)
Naturalistic Fallacy – confusing what ought to be confirmed with what is true.
Example: Animals kill each other; humans are animals. Therefore, it makes sense that we kill each other.
Nirvana Fallacy – if something is not perfect, it is no good.
Example: The flu vaccine doesn’t work 100% of the time; therefore, it is worthless
“No True No True Scotsman” – using arbitrary things to make your case.
Example: All Scotsmen are brave; he’s not brave. Therefore, he’s not a true Scotsman.
So, are you finding these in real life? Let me know!
Last set next posting!