Lecture Notes: Logical Fallacies in Politics

Introduction

• Politicians often use logical fallacies to answer questions or present arguments.
• These fallacies can mislead the electorate and dodge uncomfortable questions.
• Understanding these fallacies is crucial for making sound decisions.

25 Common Logical Fallacies in Politics

25. Equivocation

• Definition: Using ambiguous language to mislead.
• Example: Donald Trump’s contradictory statements to confuse and appeal to everyone.

24. Sunk Costs

• Definition: Justifying continued investment based on prior investment.
• Example: Arguments for continuing wars due to previous investments.

23. Tu Quoque

• Definition: Deflecting criticism by accusing the opponent of the same.
• Example: Donald Trump's response to the Pope’s comments.

22. Ableism

• Definition: Discrediting those perceived as less capable.
• Example: Mocking a disabled reporter and comments on energy levels.

21. Post Hoc

• Definition: Assuming causation from correlation.
• Example: Blaming economic conditions solely on current leaders.

20. Appeal to Fear

• Definition: Using fear to influence.
• Example: Historical examples include Hitler’s rhetoric and post-9/11 tactics.

19. Begging the Question

• Definition: Circular reasoning.
• Example: Health care reform arguments by Senator Kent Conrad.

18. Circumstantial Ad Hominem

• Definition: Questioning motives rather than arguments.
• Example: Dismissing opinions based on personal history, like former CEOs.

17. Non Sequitur

• Definition: Conclusion does not follow from premises.
• Example: Trump’s tweets linking unrelated electoral success and tax returns.

16. Argumentum ad Crumenam

• Definition: Wealth as a measure of truth.
• Example: Trump’s campaign claims of success due to wealth.

15. Pooh-Pooh

• Definition: Dismissing arguments as unworthy.
• Example: Obama’s response to Sarah Palin’s criticisms.

14. Dicto Simpliciter

• Definition: Sweeping generalization.
• Example: Ted Cruz’s comments on New York values.

13. Cherry-Picking

• Definition: Selective evidence presentation.
• Example: Selective facts on voting history.

12. Argumentum ad Verecundiam

• Definition: Appeal to authority.
• Example: Using authoritative figures to support arguments without addressing issues.

11. Ad Misericordiam

• Definition: Appeal to pity.
• Example: Obama’s emotional appeals in gun debate.

10. Ad Ignorantiam

• Definition: Arguing something is true because it cannot be disproven.
• Example: McCarthy’s claims on communism.

9. Ad Antiquitatem

• Definition: Appeal to tradition.
• Example: Arguments against same-sex marriage.

8. False Equivalence

• Definition: Falsely equating two things.
• Example: Comparing US and Soviet treatment of dissidents.

7. Ad Populum

• Definition: Appeal to numbers or popularity.
• Example: Health care arguments based on global norms.

6. False Dilemma

• Definition: Presenting limited options.
• Example: Post-9/11 rhetoric of ‘with us or against us’.

5. Straw Man Argument

• Definition: Distorting an opponent’s argument.
• Example: Misrepresenting opponent’s stance on issues.

4. Slippery Slope

• Definition: Assuming a chain of events from one action.
• Example: Eisenhower’s domino theory on communism.

3. Ad Nauseam

• Definition: Repetition as validation.
• Example: Repetitive claims about government.

2. Red Herring

• Definition: Distracting from the main issue.
• Example: Shifting focus in political debates.

1. Ad Hominem

• Definition: Personal attacks instead of addressing arguments.
• Example: Trump’s personal insults.

Conclusion

• Understanding these fallacies is crucial for critically evaluating political arguments.
• Recognizing these tactics can lead to better decision-making in political contexts.