Overview
This lecture introduces common logical fallacies in philosophical reasoning, explaining each type and its significance in critical thinking.
Introduction to Fallacies
- Fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument.
- Recognizing fallacies helps in evaluating and constructing stronger arguments.
Common Types of Fallacies
Argumentum ad Hominem ("Attacking the Person")
- This fallacy targets the person making the argument instead of the argument itself.
- Example: Insulting someone's character to discredit their ideas.
Argumentum ad Baculum (Appeal to Force)
- Uses threats or force to persuade acceptance of a conclusion.
- Example: Accepting an idea because of fear of punishment.
Argumentum ad Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity)
- Appeals to emotions of pity or sympathy rather than logical reasons.
- Example: Asking for a favor because of personal hardship, not merit.
Argumentum ad Populum (Appeal to People/Bandwagon)
- Suggests a claim is true because many people believe it.
- Example: Claiming something is right because it is popular.
Argumentum ad Traditionem or Antiquitatem (Appeal to Tradition)
- Argues something is correct or better because it is traditional or has been done for a long time.
- Example: Defending a practice solely based on its historical use.
Argumentum ad Ignorantiam (Appeal to Ignorance)
- Assumes a statement is true because it has not been proven false, or vice versa.
- Example: Concluding something does not exist because it cannot be disproved.
Petitio Principii (Begging the Question)
- The argument assumes the truth of what it is supposed to prove.
- Example: Using a statement as both the premise and the conclusion.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Fallacy — an error in reasoning that invalidates an argument.
- Ad hominem — attacking the person, not the argument.
- Appeal to force — using threats as persuasion.
- Appeal to pity — using emotions to persuade.
- Appeal to people (bandwagon) — relying on popularity.
- Appeal to tradition — relying on historical precedent.
- Appeal to ignorance — using lack of evidence as evidence.
- Begging the question — assuming the conclusion in the premise.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review personal arguments for these common fallacies.
- Practice identifying fallacies in texts, debates, and media.