Question 1

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Appeal to unqualified authority.
B)   Argument against the person, circumstantial.
C)   False cause.
D)   No fallacy.
E)   Argument against the person, abusive. D

Question 2

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!

Accepted Answer

A)   No fallacy.
B)   Missing the point.
C)   Slippery slope.
D)   Appeal to the people.
E)   Appeal to pity. D

Question 3

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Argument against the person, abusive.
B)   Argument against the person, circumstantial.
C)   Straw man.
D)   Missing the point.
E)   No fallacy. A

Question 4

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Complex question.
B)   Composition.
C)   No fallacy.
D)   Missing the point.
E)   Appeal to ignorance.

Question 5

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   False cause.
B)   Complex question.
C)   No fallacy.
D)   Weak analogy.
E)   Hasty generalization.

Question 6

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!

Accepted Answer

A)   No fallacy.
B)   Suppressed evidence.
C)   Argument against the person, abusive.
D)   Appeal to the people.
E)   Appeal to unqualified authority.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Argument against the person, circumstantial.
B)   Tu quoque (you, too) .
C)   Missing the point.
D)   Appeal to ignorance.
E)   No fallacy.

Question 8

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Argument against the person, abusive.
B)   Complex question.
C)   No fallacy.
D)   Straw man.
E)   Red herring.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Composition.
B)   Weak analogy.
C)   No fallacy.
D)   False dichotomy.
E)   Suppressed evidence.

Question 10

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Missing the point.
B)   Appeal to force.
C)   False cause.
D)   No fallacy.
E)   Appeal to pity.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Hasty generalization.
B)   False cause.
C)   Composition.
D)   No fallacy.
E)   Division.

Question 12

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Appeal to ignorance
B)   Missing the point.
C)   Appeal to pity.
D)   Appeal to ignorance.
E)   No fallacy.

Question 13

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   No fallacy.
B)   False cause.
C)   Argument against the person, abusive.
D)   Composition.
E)   Argument against the person, circumstantial.

Question 14

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Straw man.
B)   No fallacy.
C)   Missing the point.
D)   Appeal to unqualified authority.
E)   Argument against the person, abusive.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Slippery slope.
B)   False cause.
C)   No fallacy.
D)   Complex question.
E)   Weak analogy.

Question 16

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   You, too (tu quoque) .
B)   Appeal to unqualified authority.
C)   No fallacy.
D)   Argument against the person, abusive.
E)   Straw man.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Appeal to the people.
B)   Division.
C)   Composition.
D)   Hasty generalization.
E)   No fallacy.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A)   Begging the question.
B)   Red herring.
C)   Appeal to pity.
D)   Complex question.
E)   No fallacy.

Question 19

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.

Accepted Answer

A)   Missing the point.
B)   Red herring.
C)   Appeal to unqualified authority.
D)   No fallacy.
E)   Straw man.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

A)   No fallacy.
B)   Complex question.
C)   Straw man.
D)   Begging the question.
E)   Appeal to force.

Exam 3: Informal Fallacies