Exam 3: Informal Fallacies

Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan argues in favor of reducing Social Security benefits. But this guy is just another one of those right-wing crazies who has no sense of social responsibility. Nobody should listen to his nonsense.

Nobody has ever proved that the universe wasn't created in six days. Therefore, we must conclude that the universe was indeed created in six days, just like it says in Genesis.

After returning from a month-long vacation, Robert turned the key in his usually reliable Camry, but nothing happened. The car must have a dead battery.

Nobody has ever proved that the prophecies of Nostradamus are false. Therefore, they must be true.

A fallacy that can be detected by merely examining the form of an argument is:

Sylvia is an American. Americans are 12 percent black, 4 percent Asian, and 13 percent Hispanic. Therefore, Sylvia is 12 percent black, 4 percent Asian, and 13 percent Hispanic.

Professor Harris gives a number of reasons why we should turn off our cell phones during class. It appears that Harris is one of those Luddites who are opposed to technology altogether. No laptops, no iPads, no digital cameras-that's what Harris wants. But that's just ridiculous. Thus, it's clear that Harris is wrong.

Betty's argument for changing the voting age is ridiculous. Betty dropped out of school after the seventh grade, and the most responsible job she has ever held is working as a clerk in a grocery store.

Ferguson has directed the college orchestra for the past 8 years, and during that time 5 women players have gotten pregnant. Therefore, to prevent any more pregnancies, Ferguson should be fired immediately.

The fallacy in which the arguer attempts to create a mob mentality is:

Some halfwits manage to succeed in business. Therefore, some people who manage to succeed in business are halfwits.

The Court Reporter said that after the jurors had heard the testimony of the convicts they were returned to their cells for the night. One can only conclude that the jurors' rights have been violated, since jurors are not supposed to be locked up in cells.

Mrs. Gladstone's arguments against cuts in Social Security are worthless. As a recipient of Social Security benefits, she would naturally be expected to argue exactly the way she does.

Nobody has ever proved that pornography results in increased incidents of rape and child abuse. Thus, we can only conclude that pornography has no effect on the crime rate.

The outsourcing of jobs by American companies is clearly beneficial. These jobs go to people in India and Southeast Asia where good jobs are scarce.

Witness Clark testified that he saw the defendant emerge from the burgled house with an expensive camera. But, members of the jury, you should reject this testimony because Clark suffers from brain damage, and he has trouble remembering things accurately.

These environmentalists have gone overboard. Who are these crazies who dictate what we can do with our own property? This great nation was founded in the spirit of capitalism, and free enterprise! The sacred right of private property is grounded in the commands of almighty God! Down with the nature-nuts! Away with the eco-maniacs!

The non causa pro causa variety of the false cause fallacy is committed whenever the arguer:

Rachel could not possibly have painted this beautiful landscape scene. Rachel is so inept she doesn't even know which end of the brush goes in the paint. And she hasn't a shred of ability when it comes to color or design.

Dog owners have asked that they be allowed to bring their pets to the beach. This request will have to be denied. If dogs are allowed on the beach, then soon we will have horses and cows. Before long there will be sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. All that potential food will attract the owners of jaguars, lions, and tigers. In the end, the beach will be a war zone.