Class notes
Common Fallacies in Arguments
- Course
- ENG 106
- Institution
- Des Moines Area Community College
These are notes on the different fallacies that are often used in arguments. I took these notes for my course, Composition II.
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Three Types of Arguments of FallacyLogical- an argument is false due to poor logical reasoning by mischaracterizing the argument.
Ethical- an argument is false by using emotional appeals in an unjust way or attempts to make personal
attacks which mischaracterize the person or group in question
Emotional- an argument is false by using the desire to be liked and fit in and broad generalizations as a
way of persuading the audience to their position
Emotional Fallacies
Scare tactic- (veiled threats) – using fear to scare their audience into accepting their point of view
Example: “If the garbage collection rates are not increased, your garbage will likely start piling up.”
Logical Fallacies
Paralipsis- a false argument where a point is emphasized only to “pass over it”
Example: “I’m not saying you never take the trash out. I’m not saying I’m the only one around here who
does laundry.”
False Analogy- a false argument where a comparison is made despite lack of similarities in those things
to support the comparison
Example: “This summer camp job is like a rat cage. They feed us and let us out on a schedule.”
Red Herring- a false argument where an irrelevant detail is presented to distract the audience from the
issue at hand
Example: My room might be a mess, but I got an A in math.
Straw Man- a false argument where an arguments is rebutted by a claim by oversimplifying or
exaggerating the argument of the opposition
Example: “Claim—You should take a long walk every day. Rebuttal—You want me to sell my car, or
what?”
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