Informal Fallacies

A good argument will invite feedback and analysis of the issue

at hand.

What is a fallacy?
Fallacies are arguments that appeal to be correct, but are
actually incorrect.

Argument--Two or more propositions in which the

conclusion is supported by the other premises.

Formal Fallacy the form of argument is invalid.

Informal fallacy is an argument whose premises fail to support
the proposed conclusion.
Fallacies of ambiguity include words or phrases that are
sloppy or have poor grammatical structure.
Equivocation happens when someone is using a key term in
an argument; however the meaning of the key term changes
during the course of the argument.
Amphiboly-grammatical error in the premises allows more
than once conclusion to be drawn.
Fallacy of accent-occurs when passes are used out of context
or the meaning of an argument changes based on which word
or phrase is emphasized.
Fallacy of division occurs when an entire group is
erroneously to share the same characteristics of other group
members.
Fallacies of relevance-premise are irrelevant or not related to
the conclusion.
Personal Attack (Ad Hominem)Fallacy disagreeing with
someones conclusion (Instead of presenting a counter attack
of the argument, we attack the person who made the argument.
Appeal to Force (Scare Tactics) Using threat in order for
someone to agree with your point of view. This fallacy
happens when the use of threat or force is an attempt to get
another person to accept a conclusion as correct.
Appeal to Pity-Using pity in order to get the other person to
feel sorry or have pity when it is irrelevant to the conclusion.
Popular Appeal appealing to popular opinion in order to
gain support for your conclusion. Basically getting on the
bandwagon. A common form of this appeal is the bandwagon
approachHere a conclusion is assumed to be true, because
everyone agrees it or doing it.

Propositions in an Argument:
1. There are propositions in arguments.
2. An argument is made up of two statements in which
we call propositions.
3. Proposition is a statement that expresses a complete
thought that can be either true or false.
4. Examples of propositions:
5. Sacramento is the Capital of California.
6. Alaska is cold.
Premises & Conclusions:
Premises support or give reasons for accepting the
conclusion.
Good premises are based on fact and experience and do not
rely on opinion and assumptions.
Before diagramming an argument, it has to be broke down
first. Review pages 177-182 to see how arguments are broken
down and then diagrammed.
Guidelines for evaluating an argument:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Clarity: Is the argument clear and unambiguous?

Credibility: Is the source reliable?
Relevance: Are the premises relevant to the
conclusion?
Completeness: Are there any unstated premises or
conclusions?
Soundness: Are the premises true and support the
conclusion?

Steps used to construct an argument:

Strategies for Avoiding Fallacies

1. Know yourself-Know which fallacies you are more
likely to fall for and which ones you would more
likely commit; lets you be less vulnerable to lapses in
critical thinking.
2. Build your confidence and self-esteem: This will
allow you to less likely give in to peer pressures.
3. Cultivate good listening skills: Always be a
respectful listener of other peoples views.

1. Cleary state the issue in the form of a question.

2. Develop a list of premises that address the issue.
3. Eliminate weak or irrelevant premises.
4. Establish a conclusion.
5. Organize your argument.
6. Tryout your argument on others.
7. Revise your argument, if necessary.
8. Put your solution or conclusion into action.
Knowing how to construct and present an argument are
important skills for critical thinkers. It not only makes you a
more effective critical thinker while presenting an argument
on a particular topic or issue, but can also help in resolving
issues in your own life.

Recognizing, Analyzing, & Constructing Arguments:

Rhetoric is the defense of a particular position without taking
into consideration an opposing view. It is also called the art of
persuasion, which can be used to promote a particular position
or world view. It is important to try and avoid rhetoric and
attempt to analyze and understand both sides of an issue.
One of argumentation main purposes is to present the person
with reasons. Identify your audience using language or
written langue that is clear and appropriate for your audience.