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161.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage.
“To me, she doesn’t make any sense. She’s just another airhead trying to impress the
guys.”
Ad hominem.
162.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage.
“The Sims just have to do well in their new business. They’ve put everything they had into
it, and they absolutely must succeed or they’ll be ruined. I’m thinking they’ll do great work,
and I’m certainly going to throw my business their way.”
Appeal to emotion, wishful thinking, and appeal to pity.
163.
Identify any fallacies in the following passage.
“The secretary insists our missiles can shoot down theirs, but what else could he say?
He’s got to put people at ease.”
Ad hominem.
164.
Identify the type of fallacy in the following passage.
“Obamacare can’t be any good. To apply for benefits you have to fill out a 15-page form!”
Irrelevant conclusion.
165.
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.
“Greyhound reminds you that when you travel by car, you take chances, especially if you
are traveling alone. Anything can happen: dangerous thunderstorms [sound effect:
thunder], engine trouble [sound of car failing to start], blowouts [tire blowing out, car
screeching to a stop]. Next time [upbeat music] don’t take chances. It’s time to go
Greyhound and leave the driving to us.”
—Greyhound advertisement
This may look like scare tactics, but the points made are relevant to the claim that
alternatives to the automobile may be safer. Of course it doesn’t follow that Greyhound is
the best alternative.
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166.
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 the best wife in the world. Could you cook something special tonight?”
Apple polishing.
167.
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 should give Arthur the job. He just lost his wife last week; he needs this job.
Appeal to pity. Irrelevant conclusion.
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168.
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 really want to be the next President of the United States. I know that I will be.
Wishful thinking.
169.
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.
Why should I tell him that his car is parked in a tow-away zone? You think he would do the
same for me?
Two wrongs make a right.
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170.
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.
We are the oldest company in the automobile servicing industry. Therefore, we are the
best.
Irrelevant conclusion.
171.
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.
Obviously he didn’t cheat on the test. He never cheats.
Begging the question.
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172.
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.
Nobody saw her stealing the car. Therefore, she didn’t steal the car.
Appeal to ignorance.
173.
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 is guilty of the crime. Can you prove that she isn’t?
Misplacing the burden of proof.
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174.
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 her speech on freedom and liberty seriously. She restricts her own children
from eating outside.
Ad hominem. Poisoning the well.
175.
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.
“Studying economics and finance in college does not make you rich. I don’t see any point
studying it at all.”
Perfectionist fallacy.
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176.
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 is the best soccer player in the world. He can run faster than anyone else.”
Irrelevant conclusion.
177.
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.
“We either eliminate Social Security or the country will go bankrupt. Therefore, we must
eliminate Social Security.”
False dilemma.
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178.
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 can’t say exactly when a videogame is too violent; therefore, no videogame is too
violent.”
Line-drawing fallacy.
179.
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 really should get a Prudential life insurance policy. What would happen to your
spouse and children if you die? Remember, you are their main source of income. Would
they be forced to move?”
Scare tactics.
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180.
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.
“This new Honda gets better mileage than any other car in its class. After all, Honda has
completely redesigned the engine.”
Irrelevant conclusion.
181.
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.
“Don’t believe his arguments about the dangers of smoking tobacco. I saw him smoking
just last week.”
Ad hominem.
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182.
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.
“Burger King prices are a rip-off! I can get much better food at Subway!”
Irrelevant conclusion.
183.
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.
“Public restrooms are so unhygienic. Can you prove otherwise?”
Misplacing the burden of proof.
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184.
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.
“Either go to school today or remain unemployed for the rest of your life!”
Scare tactics. The perfectionist fallacy.
185.
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.
“That’s absurd! Sounds like something a bureaucrat would say!”
Guilt by association.
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186.
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.
“Of course, watching television for too long causes brain damage. Can you prove that it
doesn’t?”
Misplacing the burden of proof.
187.
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 don’t buy his ideas on climate change. I haven’t seen him drive a hybrid car!”
Ad hominem. Irrelevant conclusion.
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188.
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.
“If you don’t support women empowerment, then you are a male chauvinist who hates
women!”
False dilemma.