What should we consider

when looking at arguments

or opinions?
Arguments often take the form of
statements that are either claims of fact
and are phrased in such a way that
they seem reasonable.
 Fallacy Characteristics Example

ad hominem attacking the person “Of course he believes

presenting the argument that the government is
instead of the argument flawed, he is a rebel and a
itself Communist!”

Appeal to force using the threat of force “If this peace agreement
or and undesirable event will not be signed by the
to advance argument government, then we will
have no recourse but go
to war.”

Appeal to emotion Using emotions such as “All these charges are

pity or sympathy baseless; this is just plain
harassment – can’t you
see how this is affecting
my family?”
Appeal to popular The idea is presented as “Every boy your age
acceptable because a lot already has a girlfriend,
people accept it you should go find one!”

Appeal to tradition The idea is accepted “marriage should be

because it has been true between a man and a
for a long time woman. It has been so for
a long time in this
country; it should remain
so today and the future
Begging the question Assuming the thing or “I have a right to free
idea to be proven is true; speech, therefore you
also known as “ circular cannot stop me from
argument talking “.

Cause-and-effect Assuming a “cause-and- “Ever since you bought

effect” between unrelated that sweater, everything
event has been going wrong in
your life. You should get
rid of it
Fallacy of composition Assuming that what is “These cases of robbery
true of a part is true for in this district have
the whole convinced me that the
city has become a den of
thieve and criminals”

Fallacy of division Assuming that what is “you come from a family

true for the whole is true of doctors and
for its parts intellectuals! Surely you
can do better in this
course!”