Exam 3: Informal Fallacies

Connor hasn't a shred of athletic ability, and he does well even to breathe. Therefore, he couldn't have swum across Diamond Lake, as he claims to have done. After all, the lake is 3 miles across.

The war in Iraq was justified beyond any question. America was founded in the spirit of freedom and self-determination, and it finds its destiny in liberating the victims of tyranny wherever they languish! America is a beacon of hope for the oppressed, a refuge for the downtrodden, a shining star of freedom for the whole world! The hand of the Almighty points the way! Every true patriot will heed the clarion call of freedom for all humankind!

You have heard Congressman Doyle's arguments in favor of reduced military expenditures. But surely you won't take them seriously. Doyle, as you know, is an admitted alcoholic, and rumor has it that he abuses his wife and children.

Nobody has ever proved that the Big Bang theory of the universe is true. Therefore, we must conclude that the Big Bang theory is false.

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.

The U.S. has a right to eradicate dictatorships wherever it finds them. Dictators crush the right of self-governance given by God to all of his children. Dictators suppress liberty and freedom. They sacrifice the lives of their people to satisfy their own corrupt aims and desires. Dictators are vile monsters! They embody the power of Satan wherever they dwell. Down with dictatorships everywhere!

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

Pet owners argue for a law to ensure that pet food is free of lethal contaminants. Apparently they are unaware that half the children of the world eat contaminated food and drink polluted water every day. Thousands of these kids die regularly from cholera. The nations of the world should unite to halt this ongoing tragedy. In the mean time, we can forget about pets.

Every component in this table is made of wood. Therefore, the entire table is made of wood.

Harry shouldn't be thrown out of college for cheating. He's been on academic probation for the past year, and this has caused terrible stress. The poor guy hasn't been able to sleep at night, he can't keep his food down, and he's constantly sick with worry about his future. Surely you can find it in your hearts to give him a second chance.

Every hair on Tony's head will fall out within five years. Therefore, Tony will be bald within five years.

Mr. Jones, surely you will find me qualified for the open position in your accounting department. I provide the sole support for my aged mother, who is crippled with arthritis, and if I don't get a job soon I know I'll have a nervous breakdown.

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.

More and more cars in this state are unable to pass the fuel emissions test. Therefore, it seems clear we should relax the emissions standard.

Tim has lost money at the roulette wheel for the last five nights. Therefore, it is extremely likely that he will win tonight.

Our weightlifting coach argues with great conviction about the dangers of steroids, but you really can't take him seriously. I've been told by a trustworthy source that when the coach was our age he popped steroid pills every day.

This cherry pie is delicious. Therefore, every ingredient in this pie is delicious.

My goodness, Jackie, I haven't seen you since high school. Tell me, are you still as vain as you used to be?

Sheri argues in favor of reducing the Defense Department budget. It appears what Sheri wants is no Defense Department at all. But without a Defense Department, we would have no army, navy, or air force, and any foreign nation could invade our country at will. Clearly we can't allow this. Thus, Sheri's argument is crazy.

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