Download RHETORICAL FALLACIES

RHETORICAL FALLACIES
What are rhetorical fallacies?
From http://www.logicalfallacies.info/: A logical fallacy is, roughly speaking, an error of reasoning. When
someone adopts a position, or tries to persuade someone else to adopt a position, based on a bad
piece of reasoning, they commit a fallacy.
From http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/: A fallacy is, very generally, an error in reasoning. This
differs from a factual error, which is simply being wrong about the facts. To be more specific, a fallacy is
an "argument" in which the premises given for the conclusion do not provide the needed degree of
support.
Why is it important to learn about rhetorical fallacies?
From http://www.logicalfallacies.info/: Faulty reasoning keeps us from knowing the truth, and the
inability to think critically makes us vulnerable to manipulation by those skilled in the art of rhetoric.
From http://projects.uwc.utexas.edu/handouts/?q=node/30: Rhetorical fallacies, or fallacies of
argument, don’t allow for the open, two-way exchange of ideas upon which meaningful conversations
depend. Instead, they distract the reader with various appeals instead of using sound reasoning.
From http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/fallacies.html#Introduction: Learning about rhetorical fallacies
can help you show that the opposition has made an error in reasoning, and that you understand the
opposition's argument possibly better than they do. Also, pointing out a logical fallacy is a way of
removing an argument from the debate rather than just weakening it.
How do I look for rhetorical fallacies?
Consider the following questions:
1. Does the evidence truly warrant the general conclusions that the writer has drawn?
2. Has all the evidence been considered or only evidence that favors the writer's position?
3. Has the writer considered all the alternatives or oversimplified and reduced them to two or
three?
4. Are conclusions ever drawn from questionable generalizations?
5. Are the opponent’s words used clearly, accurately, and honestly?
6. Does the argument depend on emotionally charged language?
7. Does the argument ever suggest that ideas or policies are good or bad simply because they are
associated with certain individuals or groups?
8. Does the writer ever argue by comparing one thing to another? If so, is the comparison fair and
reasonable?
9. Does the writer try to sweet-talk and flatter the reader?
10. Does the argument suggest that an idea or course of action is good just because everyone else
believes or is doing it?
Is it possible to completely avoid commiting rhetorical fallacies?
Sometimes a logical fallacy is unavoidable. And there are some types of argument that are listed as
logical fallacies in logic textbooks, but that are perfectly acceptable in the context of the rules of debate.
The most important guideline for committing such fallacies yourself is to know when you are doing it,
and to be prepared to justify yourself later if the opposition tries to call you down for it.