Transcript Appeal to Popularity

Chapter 1
Thinking Critically
“Thinking critically
is an approach to problem solving
and decision making that involves
 Careful
reading (or listening)
 Sharp thinking
 Logical analysis
 Good visualization
 Healthy skepticism ”
page 13
Section 1A
Recognizing Fallacies
pages 14-18
Definition: An argument is a collection of
facts or assumptions (called premises)
that are used to support a conclusion.
Definition: A fallacy is a deceptive
argument.
1. Appeal to Popularity
“Ford makes the best automobile
in America. After all, more people
drive Fords than any other
American car.”
P: More people drive Fords than
any other American car.
C: Ford makes the best
automobile in America.
2. False Cause
“I placed the quartz crystal on my forehead,
and in five minutes my headache was
gone. The crystal made my headache go
away.”
P: I placed the quartz crystal on my forehead.
P: In five minutes my headache was gone.
C: The crystal made my headache go away.
3. Appeal to Ignorance
“Scientists have not found any concrete
evidence of aliens visiting Earth.
Therefore, anyone who claims to have
seen a UFO must be hallucinating.”
P: Scientists have not found any concrete
evidence of aliens visiting Earth.
C: Therefore, UFOs do not exist.
4. Hasty Generalization
“Two cases of childhood leukemia have
occurred along the street where the highvoltage power lines run. The power lines
must be the cause of these illnesses.”
P: Two cases of childhood leukemia have
occurred along the street where the highvoltage power lines run.
C: The power lines must be the cause of
these illnesses.
5. Limited Choice / False Dilemma
“You don’t support the President,
so you are not a patriotic American.”
P: You don’t support the President.
C: You are not a patriotic American.
“Have you stopped smoking?” . . .
P: You have previously smoked.
C: . . .
6. Appeal to Emotion
“…Because so much is riding on your tires.”
P: You love your baby.
C: Buy Michelin tires.
7. Personal Attack
Gwen: You should stop drinking because it’s
hurting your grades, endangering people
when you drink and drive, and destroying
your relationship with your family.”
Merle: I’ve seen you drink a few too many
on occasion yourself!
P: Gwen has had drinks before.
C: I (Merle) should not stop drinking.
8. Diversion (Red Herring)
“We should not continue to fund genetic
research because there are so many
ethical issues involved. Ethics is at the
heart of our society, and we cannot afford
to have too many ethical loose ends.”
P: There are many ethical issues involved in
genetic research.
P: Society cannot afford to have too many
ethical loose ends. [unrelated]
C: We should not continue to fund genetic
research.
9. Circular Reasoning
“Society has an obligation to shelter the
homeless because the needy have a right
to the resources of the community.”
P: The needy have a right to the resources
of the community.
C: Society has an obligation to shelter the
homeless.
10. Straw Man
Columnist William F. Buckley has written
many articles arguing in favor of legalizing
drugs. A speaker who opposes
legalization begins by saying , “Mr.
Buckley doesn’t think there is anything
wrong with drug use, but I do.”
P: Mr. Buckley’s position is that there is
nothing wrong with drug use. [distortion]
C: I do not support legalization of drugs.
22/20 The Golden Rule is a sound ethical
principle because it is basic to every
system of ethics in every culture.
P: The Golden Rule is basic to every system
of ethics in every culture.
C: It is a sound ethical principle.
Circular Reasoning
24/20 Everyone I know is voting for the
Governor, so you should vote for him too.
P: Everyone I know is voting for the Governor
C: The Governor is the best choice.
Appeal to Popularity
26/20 Most of the great mathematicians in
history have been men, so men must be
better at mathematics than women.
P: Most of the great mathematicians in
history have been men
C: Men must be better at mathematics than
women.
Hasty Generalization
29/20 There is no way that Senator Smith’s
bill can help the cause of gun control
because he is one of the biggest recipients
of campaign contributions from the
National Rifle Association.
P: Senator Smith is one of the biggest
recipients of campaign contributions from
the National Rifle Association [distraction/opposition]
C: There is no way that Senator Smith’s bill
can help the cause of gun control
Diversion/Personal Attack
31/20 Since 1960, the percentage of the
population over 18 who smoke has decreased
from 40% to about 20%. During the same
period, the percentage of overweight people has
increased from 25% to 35%. Clearly, quitting
smoking leads to overeating.
P: Since 1960, the percentage of the population
over 18 who smoke has decreased.
P: Since 1960, the percentage of overweight
people has increased.
C: Quitting smoking leads to overeating.
False Cause
33/20 My little boy loves dolls and my little girl
loves trucks, so there’s no truth to the claim that
boys are more interested in mechanical toys
while girls prefer maternal toys.
P: My little boy loves dolls.
P: My little girl loves trucks.
C: There’s no truth to the claim that boys are more
interested in mechanical toys while girls prefer
maternal toys.
Hasty Generalization
Homework for Friday
1) Read Prologue - pages 2-11.
2) Page 20 - # 23, 25, 27, 28, 30. Be sure to
list P and C and fallacy and reason for
your choice.