Exam 3: Informal Fallacies

Whatever is bright is intelligent. But the sun is extremely bright. Therefore, the sun is extremely intelligent.

Twenty percent of the women attending Ponderosa College are beautiful. Since Charlotte attends Ponderosa College, it follows that twenty percent of her is beautiful.

Dr. Williams cheated Medicare by exaggerating expenses, and Dr. Fox cheated by submitting fees for nonexistent patients. Dr. Harris defrauded a dozen insurance companies by requiring unneeded lab tests. The apparent conclusion is that all doctors cheat.

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.

Scientists have identified a "God gene," which they think is responsible for the widespread belief in a deity. Obviously God planted that gene in humans to ensure their belief in God.

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

Colleen, you know something about American history. Tell me, did the Civil War start in 1860 or 1861?

It's absolutely clear that the U.S. should get out of the U.N. National autonomy should never be turned over to foreign nations.

Every patch in this patchwork quilt is some shade of green. Therefore, the entire quilt is green.

Dr. David Sherman of the National Skin Cancer Society reports that tanning salons pose a serious risk for skin cancer. Therefore, we should consider legislation to regulate the tanning industry.

Valerie Norton's new novel is a real thriller. Therefore, every single chapter must be thrilling.

Professor Gibson said that he teaches only dead white philosophers. Therefore, it must be the case that all of his students are dead.

During the past 100 years the average minimum wage in the U.S. has been less than $3 per hour. Therefore, during the next 100 years the average minimum wage in the U.S. will be less than $3 per hour.

The idea that fast food is unhealthy is a lot of hooey. Why, 90% of America eats fast food.

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.

United States Marshals are allowed to carry loaded guns in the courtroom. But attorneys are officers of the court, no less than U.S. Marshals. Therefore, attorneys are allowed to carry loaded guns in the courtroom.

Mr. President, I would advise you to go along with our plan to use your country as a base of operations for invading Iran. After all, I'm sure you don't want your country bombed back to the stone age.

Andrew said he petted his dog reading a newspaper. Andrew must have a very intelligent dog.

Bowser, a German shepherd, had a terrible flea problem. But after one application of FleasOff, Bowser had no fleas for four months. Tango is also a German shepherd with a terrible flea problem. Therefore, FleasOff should also be useful in eliminating Tango's fleas.

The time has come to outlaw the use of tobacco in all public places. The noxious vapors from burning cigarettes and the stench of smoldering cigars is revolting to say the least. And that nasty brown slime squirting forth from the foul mouths of chewers is enough to turn one's stomach. End this assault on our health and senses this very instant! Send the filthy tobacco hounds back to where they came from!