Logical Fallacies: Top Ten List

A logical fallacy is a false argument. It is used to divert, undermine or create support for an idea based on irrelevant information. Logical fallacies are often used by advertisers and by campaigning politicians. They are the enemy of clear, honest and objective thinking because they mimic the truth and twist the facts. 

Here is a top ten list of my personal (not-so) favorites:

10. Red Herring (see illustration above): The introduction of a diverting, unrelated topic. Example: I know I dented the car, but did you see the package that came for you in the mail?

9. False Dilemma: A choice is presented as either/or when in fact there are numerous options. Example: Do you walk to school or take a cab?

8. Poisoning the Well: Presenting a negative comment before a person speaks, to discredit their idea. Example: Joe seems to think he is an expert on this. Let's hear what he has to say.

7. Guilt by Association: Rejecting an argument because the person proposing it is connected to someone disliked by the hearer. Example: Your cousin is a liar, so I cannot believe anything you say.

6. Genetic Fallacy: Endorses or disqualifies a claim based on its connection to a (negative) history. Example: Volkswagens are lemons, because the company was founded in Nazi Germany.

5. Non sequitur: Conclusions that do not follow from the premise. Example: Since we have no money, it is important to boost our spirits by going out to dinner.

4. Begging the question: This assumes that the thing you are trying to prove is true. Also called a circular argument. Example: Barth has the best theology because he is the most influential theologian.

3. Appeal to pity: Accepting an argument because of sympathy or emotional appeal. Example: You should buy this newspaper subscription from me because it will help keep kids off the streets.

2. Appeal to the popular: Accepts popular opinion as an automatic reason for change. Example: Students don't like to receive grades, therefore they should be eliminated.

1. Special Pleading (double standard): Applying special status to the validity of an assertion because of the status of the person promoting it. Example: You cannot refute what I claim, because you are not: a woman, in the union, etc.

Initium Est Dimidium Facti

"Once you've started, you're halfway there." This old Latin proverb (see title) has been around for a long time, and with good reason. Starting something, whether a savings account, a paper, or a scarf, puts you on the road to your destination.

This week, try to begin the projects you have remaining in the semester. First ask, "what, exactly, do I have left to do?"

• Reading? Spend an hour looking over your books and articles and figure out how to create a study guide for your final. Strategize the time slots for reading specific sections. Find background material on the assigned topic if necessary.
• Writing? Choose a topic or a thesis, begin your research, or organize a structure for your paper. Go back to the syllabus or written assignment and analyze what you are being asked to do. Think about your plan, and take notes.
• Sermon? Start by reading your text and taking notes on what you notice about it. Move to commentaries or other resources.
• Stressed out? Begin to walk or to listen to music or to buy some groceries. Don't worry about finishing for now - just start!

Criticism and Praise

When I was young I took piano lessons. My teacher would stand behind me, watching as I played. Sometimes he wrote a comment I appreciated at the top of my piece of music: "Excellent!" or "Nice!"

He also wrote comments I dreaded, like "Work on the rhythm!" or "Slow down!"

Things don't change that much. Adults still search for the positive comments and cringe at criticism. A test or paper returned with anything less than glowing praise is still an unwelcome sight.

But, what if we could invert our reactions to critique? After all, feedback is usually meant to inspire improvement. What if we saw statements such as: "I don't understand this paragraph!" as a chance to learn something? What if we viewed our critic as a trusted and honest friend rather than a misguided enemy? If a comment about our work is the truth, it is possible (though painful), to examine it and determine how we might make an adjustment.

This is one way academic miracles happen. An average student can make huge strides in the quality of their work if they will accept and benefit from criticism. A good student's work can become even better.