6-41
81.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
I am absolutely sick of hearing about those L.A. police officers who committed all those
crimes. It’s time for the press to lay off and give law enforcement officers a break. There
are a lot of very good police officers out there, and they aren’t recognized nearly as often
as they should be.
Irrelevant conclusion.
82.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
“There’s no reason to investigate something that never happened.”
—Bush administration spokesman Marlin Fitzwater, when asked what he thought about an
investigation of charges that the 1980 Reagan campaign made a deal with Iran to delay
release of American hostages until after that year’s presidential election.
Begging the question.
6-42
83.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
[The state of Nevada has a law that allows water that is going unused in one part of the
state to be claimed by parties from another part of the state. Because of growth in Las
Vegas, the law has caused serious disputes over water.] “Look. We in Las Vegas aren’t
trying to take water from anybody else’s bathtub or kitchen faucet. The water we’re talking
about out in rural Nevada will either come to us and be put to good use, or it’ll simply go to
waste.”
False dilemma and straw man—water that isn’t “put to good use” by a city does not
necessarily “go to waste.”
84.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
“A preliminary economic analysis suggests that federal government proposals to protect
the northern spotted owl will cost the Pacific Northwest about 40,000 jobs—and the effect
on the spotted owl population is pretty much unknown. But, hey, what do the livelihoods of
40,000 human beings matter when the government is responding to pressure groups?”
—Orange County Register
This appeal is to indignation (argument from outrage).
6-43
85.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Overheard somewhere and paraphrased: “The statistics that show you are better off
wearing a seatbelt are completely flawed and can safely be ignored. Forcing people to use
seatbelts, like making motorcyclists wear helmets, is just one more case of Big Brother
infringing on personal liberty.”
Irrelevant conclusion.
86.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
he: Well, things didn’t work out quite the way I wanted, but that’s the way life often is.
she: That’s not my philosophy. Your dreams
will
come true if you want them to, but you
really have to want them to.
Wishful thinking.
6-44
87.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
City supervisor: Schools need support, yes, but, unfortunately, to balance the city budget
we need to reduce spending by around $13 million. Some of that reduction will have to
come from the schools.
City resident: I don’t see why. You supervisors should visit schools and talk to teachers.
Teachers already work sixty to seventy hours a week. When other people are home
relaxing in front of their TV set, Mr. and Mrs. Teacher are grading tests, attending
meetings, or rearranging their classroom. The next time you are out fishing or playing golf,
think of teachers at home preparing for next week’s classes. They work very hard for very
little money and rarely get any recognition for the job they’ve done.
Irrelevant conclusion. It could also be an argument from pity.
88.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
“Re: ‘New York taxes soak the poor.’ The article stated that a family of four with an income
of $11,000 pays over 14 percent of its income on state taxes. So what? The only way that
could be done is if they spent half their income on high tax items such as liquor and
cigarettes and movies. I, for one, won’t shed any tears.”
—From a letter to the editor
Argument from outrage.
6-45
89.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
When Lebanon and Syria signed a treaty on May 22, 1991, aimed at ending sixteen years
of Lebanese civil war, Israel stated that the treaty was tantamount to annexation of
Lebanon. Syrian President Hafez Assad responded, “It seems that the Israelis have found
it beneficial to use the treaty to cover up their rejection of peace [i.e., to cover up Israeli
opposition to U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for Israel to give up occupied Arab
lands]. They want to create a cause to talk about it, thinking they would thus divert the
world’s attention from the ongoing efforts for peace in the region.”
Assad’s response is a smokescreen. What’s interesting is that his smokescreen amounts
to calling Israel’s statement a smokescreen.
90.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
What do I think about Scientology’s belief in reincarnation? I think Scientology is run by a
high school dropout who doesn’t know any science at all—except the science of fleecing
people.
Personal attack ad hominem.
6-46
91.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
The article “Race and the Death Penalty” is just another liberal diatribe aimed at
convincing people that there is racial bias in capital punishment. The whole point of the
so-called statistics it mentions is to get people to be against the death penalty.
Genetic fallacy.
92.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Did you ever notice how the people who favor abortion on demand are the same people
who are against the death penalty? How inconsistent can you get?
Inconsistency ad hominem.
6-47
93.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Speaker: In sum, despite the military’s claims for the accuracy of smart weapons, over 70
percent of allied bombs missed their intended targets.
Person in audience: What’s your documentation? Can you prove that you are right about
that?
Speaker: Can you prove I’m wrong?
Misplaced burden of proof.
94.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
I wouldn’t pay too much attention to what you read there.
Reader’s Digest
is known for its
right-wing political bias.
Poisoning the well.
6-48
95.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Pop, a new car may be expensive, but do you want me to drive around in this junk pile the
rest of my life?
False dilemma, straw man.
96.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
I wouldn’t take a course from anyone in the Poly Sci department, if I were you. They are all
anti-U.S., ultraliberal types, at least that’s what I hear.
Poisoning the well.
6-49
97.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
You know how some people against gun control say that making guns illegal won’t stop
anyone who wants one from getting one? Ever notice how the same people are usually
against legalizing drugs because they don’t want drugs made available? Funny how they
think that law won’t work for guns but will work for drugs.
Inconsistency ad hominem.
98.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
One person, speaking to her friends before they attend a political fund-raising party: “Now
listen, folks, before we go into this party. You should be prepared to hear all kinds of
flattery as they butter you up before they try to pick your pockets. Remember, all they’re
after is your money.”
Poisoning the well. (Of course, there may be a wee grain of good advice in there, too.)
6-50
99.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Since the University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson, a slave-owner, we
should be very suspicious of the graduates of that university.
Genetic fallacy.
100.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
In a letter to the editor describing those against staying in Iraq: “Liberals would love to
think the United States could make Iraq peaceful with the use of party favors and snack
packs….”
Straw man.
6-51
101.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
In an ad for Michelin tires with a cute baby sitting by its tire: Michelin. Because so much is
riding on your tires.
A bit of “argument” from pity and scare tactics.
102.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
I am confident that you will clearly recognize that I’m a superior instructor on your
evaluation of me. I’ve long known that you’re one of the most perceptive students I’ve ever
had.
Apple polishing.
6-52
103.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Sure, I’ve been irritable today, but I actually did a good thing for Zanja when I told him he’s
an annoying person who always hangs around us like a leech. It’s not because I’m in a bad
mood; I’m actually doing him a kindness.
Irrelevant conclusion.
104.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
You’re worried that the very expensive diamond you want to purchase may not be worth
the price, and the salesperson says: “We know diamonds here and we’ve examined this
one very carefully. You can rest assured that it’s worth every penny.”
Begging the question.
6-53
105.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
You know that hiring me for this job is the right thing to do, Dennis. Just think how horrible
you’ll feel if you knew that you threw your best friend back onto unemployment.
Guilt trip.
106.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
She: We’d do well to get a Zenith. Their salesman told me they have the best repair record
of any brand on the market.
He: Well, forget that. He sells Zeniths, for crying out loud; of course he’d tell you they have
the best record.
Ad hominem, circumstantial.
6-54
107.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Overheard: “There’s absolutely no point in asking a conservationist if toxic wastes are
contaminating Butte County well water. As a conservationist, of course he’ll say that they
are.”
Ad hominem, circumstantial.
108.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
From a letter to the editor: “The secretary of defense claims we cannot cut defense
spending by so much as a jot. Right. What the generals want, the generals get. What the
secretary is, is just another lawyer. It’s not what’s right that matters, it’s what you can get.
No wonder his relations with Congress are so poor.”
Ad hominem, combined personal attack and circumstantial. Irrelevant conclusion.
6-55
109.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
In one of his columns, Mike Royko had a word or two to write about Sylvester Stallone.
According to Royko, after completing the movie
Rambo: First Blood Part II
, Stallone
explained that it was an attempt to secure some credit for Vietnam veterans. Royko
quoted Stallone as saying, “The people who pushed the wrong button all took a powder.
The vets got the raw deal and were left holding the bag. What Rambo is saying is that if
they could fight again, it would be different.”
Royko went on to observe that during the Vietnam War, when Stallone could have been a
“real-life Rambo,” he spent his time first at American College of Switzerland “teaching rich
girls how to touch their toes” and then as a drama major at the University of Miami
“improving his tan.”
Ad hominem, personal attack and inconsistency.
6-56
110.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
From a letter to the editor:
The Times
editorial headed ‘The Murder of Innocents’ deplored
the motive behind the Air India tragedy by posing the following question: ‘What possible
reason could there be for killing 329 innocents, so many of them children . . . ?’ The writer
then urges Americans never to accept some ‘maniacal logic’ that offers an excuse for such
a heinous crime.
“Below this editorial followed a second, which urged the governor to strike from a family-
planning bill awaiting his signature a stipulation prohibiting state funding for any family-
planning agency that provides abortions, or incentives or referrals to obtain them.”
“What an incongruous position—to condemn the murder of 80 innocent children in a
plane over the Atlantic, but to condone the murder of 4,000 children nationwide per day in
the womb.”
“Isn’t this the very same ‘maniacal logic’ that permits constant slaughter under the guise
of ‘family planning,’ a euphemistic term to obscure another form of ‘murder of the
innocents’?”
Ad hominem, inconsistency.
6-57
111.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Are you really going to believe her about librarians’ salaries not being excessive? I’ll have
you know she herself is a librarian, or don’t you think that matters?
Ad hominem, circumstantial.
112.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Ann Landers did an informal survey on sex. Many people responded, some of them
favorably, but a lot unfavorably. In a follow-up column, she wrote, “Comments by Erica
Jong, Andrew Greeley, Helen Gurley Brown, Gay Talese, and Gloria Steinem showed
insight and understanding. A few so-called sex experts who called the survey ‘dangerous’
demonstrated incredible ignorance and missed the point completely.”
Ad hominem, personal attack. But this looks more than anything like a simple case of
saying, “Anybody who disagrees with me is wrong and an ignoramus.”
6-58
113.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
A lot of senators are crabbing about everything the president does these days. But if you
look at the party those senators belong to, you’ll notice that nearly all of them are
members of the opposition party. So you can safely bet these criticisms are just partisan
politics rather than the kind of thing we should take seriously.
Ad hominem, circumstantial.
114.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
The ACLU? Yeah, I know about them, and I don’t like them very much. They’re the ones
who furnish free lawyers for criminals.
Begging the question.
6-59
115.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Every event has a cause other than itself, since if it didn’t, it would have to have caused
itself, which is impossible.
Begging the question.
116.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
He: I believe everybody should be permitted to cheat.
She: That’s absolutely ridiculous.
He: Why do you say that?
She: Well, assume that everyone were permitted to cheat. To say they are permitted to
cheat means that it’s all right for them to cheat, right? And if it’s all right for them to cheat,
then there’s nothing wrong with cheating. But then, if there’s nothing wrong with what
they’re doing, they wouldn’t be cheating. So your suggestion is absurd.
Begging the question.
6-60
117.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
“Opponents to Proposition 102 say that contact tracing will lead to ‘witch hunts.’ We say
it’s time to stop peddling such fear and panic.”
—Rebuttal to argument against Proposition 102, 1988 California Ballot Pamphlet
Begging the question.
118.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage either by naming them or, where they seem
not to conform to any of the patterns described in the text, by giving a brief explanation of
why the fallacious reasoning is irrelevant to the point at issue.
Reconstruction of a remark heard at a faculty meeting: “The quality of teaching
performance cannot be measured. No matter what administrators at campuses around the
country might say, teaching performance is simply not the kind of thing to which you can
assign measurable variables and then compare a bunch of numbers at the beginning of a
course and again at its end. That isn’t the way it works.”
Begging the question.