Exam 3: Informal Fallacies

Nobody has ever proved that capitalist economics corrupts people's values, as Karl Marx claimed. Therefore, we must conclude that capitalism does not corrupt people's values.

Whatever you do, never ask Haley Burns for a date. A few months after Victor started dating Haley he began suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Frank argues that it's not a good idea for underage people to drink alcoholic beverages. Apparently Frank wants everyone to be a teetotaler. Bring back prohibition for good-that's what Frank wants. But prohibition was a complete failure in the thirties. Obviously Frank's argument is misguided.

Shortly after retiring from his job, Mr. Lopez had a heart attack and died. The same thing happened to Mrs. Harris. I think the message is clear: Whatever you do, never retire from your job.

There is a lot of talk these days about the need for greater fuel economy in SUV's. But today's SUV's are really beautiful. The Cadillac Escalade has clean lines, supple leather, and polished hardwood. The Lincoln Navigator features beautiful paint and the feel of strength and security. And the Mercury Mariner has wonderful styling and a great sound system. Who could ask for anything more?

So, you insist on going to the movies tonight. Why do you always have to get your own way?

Either you vote for Senator Rogers or you don't care about the environment. The choice is yours.

The song "I lost My Love in Nashville" is very sad. But every song is composed of notes. Therefore, every note in that song is very sad.

Jim, it's clear that you want that job with the Acme accounting agency. Therefore, to improve your chances, you should tell the interviewer that if he doesn't give you the job you will kidnap one of his children.

Ginger, I saw you outside the opera house the other night. Tell me, why don't you enjoy ordinary musical events, like normal people do?

It is permissible for physicians to write prescriptions for drugs. But chiropractors are health care professionals no less than physicians. Therefore, it should be permissible for chiropractors to write prescriptions for drugs.

Dr. Harrison has argued that the open position in the mathematics department should be given to Dr. George. But Harrison's arguments should be discounted since Harrison and George are good friends.

Same-sex marriage should never be allowed in this state. If we allow gays to marry each other, then in no time uncles will marry their nephews and nieces. Then fathers will marry their daughters, mothers will marry their sons, and brothers will marry their sisters. Before long, pet owners will marry their dogs and cats, and this will lead to the complete destruction of civilized life.

Eddie, one of your friends was asking about you the other day. He wanted to know if you were still having sex with 14-year-old girls. What should I tell him the next time I see him? Are you still doing it?

Either you spend $200 on a pair of True Religion jeans, or everybody will think you're out of style. It's up to you.

Frank Larsen argues for stricter gun control. It appears that Frank wants to abolish access to guns altogether. But if law-abiding citizens can't own a gun, then they will have no means of defending themselves against criminals. Obviously Frank's argument is no good.

During the past two thousand years, no human being has ever set foot on Mars. Therefore, it is unlikely that any human being will set foot on Mars during the next two thousand years.

Madam Voodoo, the famous psychic, says she has communicated with departed souls. Therefore, it follows there is life after death.

Senator Smith, I know you will support the oil drilling bill before the committee, because if you don't, I'll make a huge contribution to your opponent in the next election.

Nobody has ever proved there is intelligent life outside our solar system. Therefore, these efforts to communicate with extraterrestrials are ridiculous.