What you’ll learn to do: evaluate logical fallacies in argument
Fallacies are errors or tricks of reasoning. We call it an error of reasoning if the fallacy occurs accidentally; we call it a trick of reasoning if a speaker or writer uses the fallacy in order to deceive or manipulate his or her audience.
The following are reasons to avoid logical fallacies in your writing. Logical fallacies:
- ruin an otherwise effective argument.
- damages your ethos, or credibility, as a writer.
- distracts from the purpose of the argument.
Watch It
This video introduces you to some common fallacies. As you watch, take note about over-simplication and premises as an introduction about logical fallacies.
You can view the transcript for “Critical Thinking Part 3: The Man Who Was Made of Straw” here (opens in new window).
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