Exam 3: Informal Fallacies

Movie star Glitzy Glamour says in magazine ads that Sparkle cosmetics are fabulous. Given Glitzy's incredible popularity, we must conclude that Sparkle cosmetics are indeed fabulous, just as she says.

Either you buy me a new Rolls Royce or I'll have to walk to work in the snow. And I'm sure you don't want me to do that.

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 Ionic Blast hairdryer does a great job removing the frizz from Francesca's hair. Therefore, since Gabriella's hair is virtually identical to Francesca's, probably the Ionic Blast would do a good job removing the frizz from Gabriella's hair.

Either you abstain from alcohol completely or one of these days you'll get arrested for drunk driving. So, what will it be?

Poor Scooter Libby should never have been sent to jail for lying to a grand jury. Scooter is an honorable man. He devoted his whole life to working for his country. One administration after another asked for his help. And Scooter was always there, ready to serve. Scooter deserved a medal-not jail time.

Whatever you do, never buy a lottery ticket. If you do, soon you'll be betting on horses. Next it will be slot machines in Las Vegas, and then black jack and high stakes poker. In the end you'll be totally broke.

In a random poll of 400 students from Belview College, 83 percent said that they own a smartphone. Therefore, probably most Belview students own a smartphone.

Bertha argues that vitamins and special food supplements are a waste of money. But only yesterday Bertha was seen in a health food store, and her friends report that she takes vitamins every day. Obviously Bertha's argument is crazy.

Paul's argument against hiring undocumented immigrants is totally worthless. For six years Paul hired an undocumented nanny from Guatemala to take care of his kids.

Johnny, you better not tell anyone that I stole the apple from the teacher's desk. I'm sure you don't want to come to class with a bloody nose and a black eye tomorrow.

Protons are not combustible, and neither are electrons. It therefore follows that hydrogen, which is composed of protons and electrons, is not combustible.

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

You have been rather outspoken lately in your criticism of the administration; but I am sure that you will want to keep your mouth shut in the future, because several of those who have been critical in the past have now lost their jobs.

Yes, I know it's been made legal, but this idea of same-sex marriage is an abomination! The Holy Bible says that marriage is between a man and a woman. This sacred rule is engraved in the order of nature by almighty God! Who are these perverts who would undermine the sanctity of holy wedlock? Down with the gays! Away with the femiNazis!

Barbara argues that we should develop fuel cell cars that run more efficiently with less pollution. But look at what Barbara drives. It's one of those gas guzzling SUVs that pollute like a steam locomotive. Obviously Barbara's argument is worthless.

Sylvia is a wonderful ice skater. But every ice skater is a person. Therefore, Sylvia is a wonderful person.

If media pundits accept bribes, then all credibility will vanish. If media pundits accept bribes, then national cynicism will grow. Thus, if all credibility vanishes, then national cynicism will grow.

The proposal to ban smoking in the workplace is a terrible idea. Consider the plight of the poor smokers. Just to get a puff, they'll have to go outside, where they'll face the icy blasts of winter, torrential rains in the spring, and the blazing sun in summer. Nobody should ever be subjected to such torture.

We don't dare allow the public school teachers to have another week of summer vacation. If we do, then the police will want the same thing. Then it will be the firemen, park rangers, highway patrol, social service workers, highway personnel, and motor vehicle workers. In the end, everyone will be working less for the same amount of money.