{"id":112,"date":"2019-12-07T11:36:02","date_gmt":"2019-12-07T11:36:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/coreqenglish1\/chapter\/spotting-logical-fallacies\/"},"modified":"2025-02-20T18:48:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T18:48:18","slug":"spotting-logical-fallacies","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/spotting-logical-fallacies\/","title":{"raw":"Spotting Logical Fallacies","rendered":"Spotting Logical Fallacies"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Evaluate logical fallacies in texts<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"13140def-e8dd-463c-8a00-1e245735d6dc\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2590\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"218\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2590 \" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4975\/2019\/12\/27215846\/fake-news-4881488_1920-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"A laptop with the words &quot;fake news&quot; on the screen.\" width=\"218\" height=\"145\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Identifying logical fallacies is important as you analyze the credibility of the author and his or her argument.[\/caption]\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"484\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">When evaluating an argument for logical fallacies, consider whether any part of the argument might make it seem illogical or manipulative to the audience. If you identify fallacies, it\u2019s important to question both the credibility of the author and the validity of the argument itself.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"484\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Likewise, if you use logical fallacies in your own arguments, be aware that they can weaken or even damage your credibility, making your reasoning less persuasive and trustworthy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nRead the following passage and note where you see logical fallacies.\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Passage: against the smoking ban<\/h3>\r\nThe University of Mississippi recently passed a policy banning smoking on campus. I am a smoker, and I have a lot of friends who are smokers, and we all agree that this policy should be overturned. This policy is framed in terms of health outcomes and promoting individual well-being, but the University has not instituted policies regarding many other behaviors related to health, such as exercising. Furthermore, the University does nothing to sanction other forms of air pollution, such as automobile exhaust.\r\n\r\nSmoking is a right, and Americans have rights, so the smoking ban is wrong. What\u2019s next? Will we ban potato chips and Cokes on campus? Will we force-feed broccoli and carrots to first-year students? People eighteen years old and up are adults and have the ability to make their own decisions regarding their health and habits. The policy also states, \u201cAll members of the university community share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.\u201d That type of language asks students and faculty to be informants against each other.\r\n\r\nA college campus is a place for free expression of ideas and behaviors. It\u2019s simple: either we are a freedom-loving campus or we aren\u2019t. I choose freedom, and I believe all of America\u2019s veterans would agree with me. Perhaps the Chancellor has an ulterior motive for instituting the ban and is using smokers as a scapegoat.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nEach question below will show you a section from the passage. Decide which logical fallacy best applies to the statement, or select \"no fallacy.\"\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/1fbe5897-be04-4fca-9426-ac84a45bdf44\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Sample Assignment<\/h3>\r\nLet's take a look at a hypothetical assignment to see if we can help Mateo to spot fallacies in his research. This is the assignment:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">For our next project, you will be required to write an argumentative essay on a topic of your choice. Ideally, your topic should be related to your major, as this will give you an opportunity to explore issues you are interested in.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">You must choose at least a relatively controversial issue because I want you to really investigate controversy and disagreement.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Your final essay should include at least six outside sources. Remember to look for sources that are credible and logical.<\/p>\r\nMateo is a nursing major and has thought about what he might like to explore for his essay. He has decided he wants to write about the obesity epidemic in America.\r\n\r\nHis instructor is requiring some outside sources and Mateo has learned about the different kinds of sources he can use and what kinds of logical fallacies he should be aware of as he looks for quality, credible sources.\r\n\r\nMateo is ready to see if he can find the kinds of sources he needs and to make sure his sources avoid the logical fallacies. If Mateo uses sources that contain logical fallacies, he knows his credibility will be affected.\r\n<h2>Mateo\u2019s First Source<\/h2>\r\nMateo found a documentary on obesity in America. He is not sure about its credibility, however, as he heard one person in the documentary say this:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cAs individuals, we need to address obesity. Since 1 in 3 Americans is expected to be obese in the coming years, Americans will be facing horrible, painful, difficult deaths associated with diseases caused by obesity.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"839859\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"839859\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"Hmm\u2026 This might be true, but it feels like this source is really focusing a lot on the horrible deaths.\r\n\r\nI learned that the appeal to fear fallacy is one where a person is making a claim that is meant to be purposefully fearful and is usually exaggerated. I\u2019m sure there can be some painful deaths associated with this disease, but I feel like it\u2019s exaggerated here.\r\n\r\nI think this might be an appeal to fear fallacy.\"\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n<h2>Mateo\u2019s Second Source<\/h2>\r\nMateo found a blog post from a person who seems to be a doctor. The doctor seems to have the right credentials, but Mateo read this and had some questions.\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cBecause children spend so much time playing video games, it is inevitable that they will become obese.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"803041\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"803041\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"I know for sure this issue is much more complicated than this. I\u2019ve read some sources that point to things like the amount of sleep children get and the processed foods they often eat. I don\u2019t think you can say playing video games will result in obesity. Just because some children who play video games are obese, doesn\u2019t mean playing video games causes the problem.\r\n\r\nThis seems like a hasty generalization fallacy to me.\"\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Third Source<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMateo found another documentary that looked interesting. In the documentary, one of the experts had this to say about the causes of obesity in America.\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cIt\u2019s plain and simple. The obesity crisis is caused by too much food or too little exercise\u2014or both. There\u2019s not a lot of in between here.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"803042\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"803042\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"Since I\u2019ve read information that says the obesity crisis may be more complex, I\u2019m worried about the oversimplification here. It seems like we\u2019re getting an \u201ceither-or\u201d choice here, but there could be other causes.\r\n\r\nI think this is a false dilemma fallacy.\"\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<strong>Mateo\u2019s Fourth Source<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn one magazine article, Mateo found some information with an interview from a nutritionist who was making an argument that the chemicals and sugars put into processed foods were designed to make people eat more and would cause people to gain weight quickly. Later in the article, another expert disagreed and said this about the nutritionist:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cBasically, this idea gives people a pass. This nutritionist is saying it\u2019s not your fault if you are obese that you have no responsibility in the matter. It\u2019s not all the food companies\u2019 fault.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"803043\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"803043\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"I feel like both sides make a good point, but the expert who disagreed really seemed to distort what the nutritionist was saying. The nutritionist didn\u2019t seem to be saying it is all the food companies\u2019 fault, just that things may be more complicated here. It feels like the second expert is really twisting the first argument.\r\n\r\nI think this is a straw man fallacy, so I\u2019ll be careful what I use from this source.\"\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Fifth Source<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMateo found a helpful website that presented a lot of different sides to the issue. This seemed great, but he noticed he would have to be careful about what he used because some of the \u201cexperts\u201d quoted on the site were not presenting themselves in a credible way. One expert had this to say:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cThe health \u2018experts\u2019 who point to processed foods as the root cause of this epidemic are missing the point and really are no better than the wacko \u2018experts\u2019 who tell us one minute that wine is good for us and the next minute it isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"803044\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"803044\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"Wow! I was surprised to read an \u201cexpert\u201d on this site essentially calling some people who have a different opinion on this issue \u201cwackos.\u201d This is a real concern and is a classic logical fallacy. This person does not address the issue and just calls those who disagree names.\r\n\r\nThis seems like an ad hominem fallacy. It\u2019s clearly a personal attack against someone and does not address the issue.<span style=\"font-size: 1rem; text-align: initial;\">\"<\/span>\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Sixth Source<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMateo conducted a personal interview with someone he thought might be a good resource, at least for one aspect of the debate. He interviewed a local activist who was working to bring local fruits and vegetables to poorer families in his community. This interview would provide an important perspective for his argumentative essay. However, he was worried when, at the end of the interview, the activist seemed to lose his focus and go off on a tangent.\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cIf we don\u2019t fight against the big food companies and big agriculture, there is no telling where we might end up. If we keep going the direction we are going, we will end up with no choice, and pretty soon, we could have no food. When you are that specialized, you are just one step away from a blight that could lead to food shortages everywhere in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"803045\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"803045\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"I really liked a lot of what this activist was saying, and it seems like he is doing great work to help bring local, fresh food to families who need it. But, I wonder about his logic in the last part of the interview. I understand that big agriculture is causing some problems, but this activist provided no evidence for this really big claim that one thing would lead to another, and we would have no food.\r\n\r\nThis feels like a slippery slope fallacy to me. I don\u2019t think I should make that claim in my own essay. It\u2019s doesn\u2019t make good sense.\"\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Seventh Source<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMateo found one more source. This was another documentary a friend had recommended on the issue of obesity in America. The documentary was interesting and made some good points, Mateo thought. But, parts of it felt a little too \u201cconspiracy theory\u201d like, and Mateo wasn\u2019t sure if he could really use this source. The narrator at one point said this about finding solutions to the obesity epidemic:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cOur government officials are not going to help us fight the food companies that poison us with their chemicals. Our government officials take campaign contributions from these big companies. If you think you can trust your government official to stop big agriculture, think again. Our government is too much connected with these evil companies.\u201d<\/p>\r\nWhat type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"803046\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"803046\"]\r\n\r\nLet's see what Mateo thinks:\r\n\r\n\"I definitely understand the concern about how our government officials take campaign contributions from the very companies we need to regulate, but can you really say all government officials are taking money from these \u201cevil\u201d companies? I really need to see some evidence. This claim feels like a logical fallacy.\r\n\r\nI need to look into this more. So, I can\u2019t trust a claim that doesn\u2019t address the issue and simply sidesteps by associating someone with someone I might have doubts about. When someone is making a claim about another person by associating that person with someone who is \u201cbad\u201d in some way or someone the audience wouldn\u2019t like, that is a guilt by association fallacy.\"\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nTest your ability to spot logical fallacies in the following exericse.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1290929646631857918\/embed\" width=\"1089\" height=\"638\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Evaluate logical fallacies in texts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"13140def-e8dd-463c-8a00-1e245735d6dc\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\n<div id=\"attachment_2590\" style=\"width: 228px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2590\" class=\"wp-image-2590\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4975\/2019\/12\/27215846\/fake-news-4881488_1920-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"A laptop with the words &quot;fake news&quot; on the screen.\" width=\"218\" height=\"145\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-2590\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Identifying logical fallacies is important as you analyze the credibility of the author and his or her argument.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"484\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">When evaluating an argument for logical fallacies, consider whether any part of the argument might make it seem illogical or manipulative to the audience. If you identify fallacies, it\u2019s important to question both the credibility of the author and the validity of the argument itself.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"484\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Likewise, if you use logical fallacies in your own arguments, be aware that they can weaken or even damage your credibility, making your reasoning less persuasive and trustworthy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Read the following passage and note where you see logical fallacies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Passage: against the smoking ban<\/h3>\n<p>The University of Mississippi recently passed a policy banning smoking on campus. I am a smoker, and I have a lot of friends who are smokers, and we all agree that this policy should be overturned. This policy is framed in terms of health outcomes and promoting individual well-being, but the University has not instituted policies regarding many other behaviors related to health, such as exercising. Furthermore, the University does nothing to sanction other forms of air pollution, such as automobile exhaust.<\/p>\n<p>Smoking is a right, and Americans have rights, so the smoking ban is wrong. What\u2019s next? Will we ban potato chips and Cokes on campus? Will we force-feed broccoli and carrots to first-year students? People eighteen years old and up are adults and have the ability to make their own decisions regarding their health and habits. The policy also states, \u201cAll members of the university community share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.\u201d That type of language asks students and faculty to be informants against each other.<\/p>\n<p>A college campus is a place for free expression of ideas and behaviors. It\u2019s simple: either we are a freedom-loving campus or we aren\u2019t. I choose freedom, and I believe all of America\u2019s veterans would agree with me. Perhaps the Chancellor has an ulterior motive for instituting the ban and is using smokers as a scapegoat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Each question below will show you a section from the passage. Decide which logical fallacy best applies to the statement, or select &#8220;no fallacy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_1fbe5897-be04-4fca-9426-ac84a45bdf44\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/1fbe5897-be04-4fca-9426-ac84a45bdf44?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_1fbe5897-be04-4fca-9426-ac84a45bdf44\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Sample Assignment<\/h3>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at a hypothetical assignment to see if we can help Mateo to spot fallacies in his research. This is the assignment:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">For our next project, you will be required to write an argumentative essay on a topic of your choice. Ideally, your topic should be related to your major, as this will give you an opportunity to explore issues you are interested in.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">You must choose at least a relatively controversial issue because I want you to really investigate controversy and disagreement.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Your final essay should include at least six outside sources. Remember to look for sources that are credible and logical.<\/p>\n<p>Mateo is a nursing major and has thought about what he might like to explore for his essay. He has decided he wants to write about the obesity epidemic in America.<\/p>\n<p>His instructor is requiring some outside sources and Mateo has learned about the different kinds of sources he can use and what kinds of logical fallacies he should be aware of as he looks for quality, credible sources.<\/p>\n<p>Mateo is ready to see if he can find the kinds of sources he needs and to make sure his sources avoid the logical fallacies. If Mateo uses sources that contain logical fallacies, he knows his credibility will be affected.<\/p>\n<h2>Mateo\u2019s First Source<\/h2>\n<p>Mateo found a documentary on obesity in America. He is not sure about its credibility, however, as he heard one person in the documentary say this:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cAs individuals, we need to address obesity. Since 1 in 3 Americans is expected to be obese in the coming years, Americans will be facing horrible, painful, difficult deaths associated with diseases caused by obesity.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q839859\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q839859\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Hmm\u2026 This might be true, but it feels like this source is really focusing a lot on the horrible deaths.<\/p>\n<p>I learned that the appeal to fear fallacy is one where a person is making a claim that is meant to be purposefully fearful and is usually exaggerated. I\u2019m sure there can be some painful deaths associated with this disease, but I feel like it\u2019s exaggerated here.<\/p>\n<p>I think this might be an appeal to fear fallacy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Mateo\u2019s Second Source<\/h2>\n<p>Mateo found a blog post from a person who seems to be a doctor. The doctor seems to have the right credentials, but Mateo read this and had some questions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cBecause children spend so much time playing video games, it is inevitable that they will become obese.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q803041\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q803041\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I know for sure this issue is much more complicated than this. I\u2019ve read some sources that point to things like the amount of sleep children get and the processed foods they often eat. I don\u2019t think you can say playing video games will result in obesity. Just because some children who play video games are obese, doesn\u2019t mean playing video games causes the problem.<\/p>\n<p>This seems like a hasty generalization fallacy to me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Third Source<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Mateo found another documentary that looked interesting. In the documentary, one of the experts had this to say about the causes of obesity in America.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cIt\u2019s plain and simple. The obesity crisis is caused by too much food or too little exercise\u2014or both. There\u2019s not a lot of in between here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q803042\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q803042\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Since I\u2019ve read information that says the obesity crisis may be more complex, I\u2019m worried about the oversimplification here. It seems like we\u2019re getting an \u201ceither-or\u201d choice here, but there could be other causes.<\/p>\n<p>I think this is a false dilemma fallacy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Mateo\u2019s Fourth Source<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In one magazine article, Mateo found some information with an interview from a nutritionist who was making an argument that the chemicals and sugars put into processed foods were designed to make people eat more and would cause people to gain weight quickly. Later in the article, another expert disagreed and said this about the nutritionist:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cBasically, this idea gives people a pass. This nutritionist is saying it\u2019s not your fault if you are obese that you have no responsibility in the matter. It\u2019s not all the food companies\u2019 fault.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q803043\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q803043\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I feel like both sides make a good point, but the expert who disagreed really seemed to distort what the nutritionist was saying. The nutritionist didn\u2019t seem to be saying it is all the food companies\u2019 fault, just that things may be more complicated here. It feels like the second expert is really twisting the first argument.<\/p>\n<p>I think this is a straw man fallacy, so I\u2019ll be careful what I use from this source.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Fifth Source<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Mateo found a helpful website that presented a lot of different sides to the issue. This seemed great, but he noticed he would have to be careful about what he used because some of the \u201cexperts\u201d quoted on the site were not presenting themselves in a credible way. One expert had this to say:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cThe health \u2018experts\u2019 who point to processed foods as the root cause of this epidemic are missing the point and really are no better than the wacko \u2018experts\u2019 who tell us one minute that wine is good for us and the next minute it isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q803044\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q803044\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Wow! I was surprised to read an \u201cexpert\u201d on this site essentially calling some people who have a different opinion on this issue \u201cwackos.\u201d This is a real concern and is a classic logical fallacy. This person does not address the issue and just calls those who disagree names.<\/p>\n<p>This seems like an ad hominem fallacy. It\u2019s clearly a personal attack against someone and does not address the issue.<span style=\"font-size: 1rem; text-align: initial;\">&#8220;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Sixth Source<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Mateo conducted a personal interview with someone he thought might be a good resource, at least for one aspect of the debate. He interviewed a local activist who was working to bring local fruits and vegetables to poorer families in his community. This interview would provide an important perspective for his argumentative essay. However, he was worried when, at the end of the interview, the activist seemed to lose his focus and go off on a tangent.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cIf we don\u2019t fight against the big food companies and big agriculture, there is no telling where we might end up. If we keep going the direction we are going, we will end up with no choice, and pretty soon, we could have no food. When you are that specialized, you are just one step away from a blight that could lead to food shortages everywhere in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q803045\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q803045\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I really liked a lot of what this activist was saying, and it seems like he is doing great work to help bring local, fresh food to families who need it. But, I wonder about his logic in the last part of the interview. I understand that big agriculture is causing some problems, but this activist provided no evidence for this really big claim that one thing would lead to another, and we would have no food.<\/p>\n<p>This feels like a slippery slope fallacy to me. I don\u2019t think I should make that claim in my own essay. It\u2019s doesn\u2019t make good sense.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Mateo\u2019s Seventh Source<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Mateo found one more source. This was another documentary a friend had recommended on the issue of obesity in America. The documentary was interesting and made some good points, Mateo thought. But, parts of it felt a little too \u201cconspiracy theory\u201d like, and Mateo wasn\u2019t sure if he could really use this source. The narrator at one point said this about finding solutions to the obesity epidemic:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\u201cOur government officials are not going to help us fight the food companies that poison us with their chemicals. Our government officials take campaign contributions from these big companies. If you think you can trust your government official to stop big agriculture, think again. Our government is too much connected with these evil companies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>What type of fallacy is demonstrated in this passage?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q803046\">Show Answer<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q803046\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<p>Let&#8217;s see what Mateo thinks:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I definitely understand the concern about how our government officials take campaign contributions from the very companies we need to regulate, but can you really say all government officials are taking money from these \u201cevil\u201d companies? I really need to see some evidence. This claim feels like a logical fallacy.<\/p>\n<p>I need to look into this more. So, I can\u2019t trust a claim that doesn\u2019t address the issue and simply sidesteps by associating someone with someone I might have doubts about. When someone is making a claim about another person by associating that person with someone who is \u201cbad\u201d in some way or someone the audience wouldn\u2019t like, that is a guilt by association fallacy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Test your ability to spot logical fallacies in the following exericse.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/content\/1290929646631857918\/embed\" width=\"1089\" height=\"638\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/lumenlearning.h5p.com\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-112\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Original<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Spotting Logical Fallacies. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: University of Mississippi. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Putting it altogether: Logical Fallacies. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Excelsior College Online Writing Lab. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/argument-and-critical-thinking\/logical-fallacies\/logical-fallacies-putting-it-all-together\/\">https:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/argument-and-critical-thinking\/logical-fallacies\/logical-fallacies-putting-it-all-together\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of laptop with fake news. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: memyselfaneye. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Pixabay. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/fake-news-hoax-press-computer-4881488\/\">https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/fake-news-hoax-press-computer-4881488\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>Other<\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: https:\/\/pixabay.com\/service\/terms\/#license<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":29,"menu_order":15,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Spotting Logical Fallacies\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"University of Mississippi\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Putting it altogether: Logical Fallacies\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Excelsior College Online Writing Lab\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/owl.excelsior.edu\/argument-and-critical-thinking\/logical-fallacies\/logical-fallacies-putting-it-all-together\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Image of laptop with fake news\",\"author\":\"memyselfaneye\",\"organization\":\"Pixabay\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/fake-news-hoax-press-computer-4881488\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"other\",\"license_terms\":\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/service\/terms\/#license\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"8c547cad-5b83-4494-b9ea-6434d7d37e21, ac4adf3a-b69a-4df2-bbb2-01f9c4cb52e8","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-112","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":833,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6277,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/112\/revisions\/6277"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/833"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/112\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=112"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=112"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}