Directions: Think About Any Argument You've Experienced

Directions: Think about any argument you have experienced in the last W

Think about any argument you have experienced in the last week or two that you believe contains a fallacy. Please keep in mind there are differences between fallacies and the rhetorical devices you learned about earlier in the course. Present the gist of the argument as well as the named fallacy you believe was used by you or someone else. This could even be an argument (using the proper critical thinking definition of the term) you observed, but were not involved in. Using any of the resources provided this week, provide a definition for the fallacy and an explanation of how this particular argument commits the fallacy.

Alternatively, share with us the one fallacy you believe you use more, why you think you use it, and what you will do now that you understand it is an error in reasoning. Example: During an actual argument with my significant other, she seemed to run out of reasons on why she was right. She stopped, looked at me and said "You are just like your mother!" It may be true, but as it was used, this is an ad hominem fallacy. It has nothing to do with her argument or the conclusion. Dowden defined ad hominem as "an irrelevant attack" to undermine my position.

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The argument I observed recently involved a discussion about environmental policies, where an individual claimed, "We shouldn't invest in solar energy because it's too expensive and unreliable." This statement seemingly presents a critique of solar energy investment but contains a fallacy known as hasty generalization. A hasty generalization occurs when a broad conclusion is drawn from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence (Dowden, 2023). In this case, the speaker assumes that solar energy is unreliable and expensive based on limited instances or anecdotal evidence, disregarding the extensive data showing the decreasing costs and increasing reliability of solar technology (Lazard, 2021). This fallacy undermines the validity of the argument because it overlooks comprehensive evidence and generalizes from a narrow perspective. By doing so, it misleads the audience into accepting a biased viewpoint without critically evaluating the broader context.

Another example of a fallacy I sometimes find myself guilty of is a false dilemma, often used in everyday decision-making. For instance, I might argue, "If we don't buy this brand of car, we'll never find a reliable vehicle." This presents only two options—either buying that specific brand or facing the risk of unreliability—ignoring other viable alternatives. The false dilemma, or false dichotomy, simplifies complex issues into two choices when, in reality, multiple options exist (Dowden, 2023). Recognizing this fallacy helps in understanding that decision-making involves nuances and that limiting options in arguments is a flawed rhetorical tactic.

Understanding fallacies such as hasty generalization and false dilemma is crucial in critical thinking because it enables individuals to evaluate arguments more effectively and avoid logical errors. When I identify these fallacies either in others’ arguments or my own reasoning, I become more cautious and strive to base conclusions on comprehensive evidence and balanced considerations (Tindale, 2007). This awareness promotes more rational discussions and decision-making processes, fostering intellectual honesty and fairness.

To improve my reasoning skills, I plan to actively reflect on my arguments and question whether I am relying on fallacious reasoning. I will also review credible resources on logical fallacies regularly and practice identifying them in everyday conversations and media. By doing so, I hope to reduce the use of fallacies in my arguments and to craft more solid, evidence-based positions that withstand critical scrutiny (Hanson, 2019). Ultimately, recognizing and understanding logical fallacies helps foster clearer communication, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes productive debates rooted in sound reasoning.

References

• Dowden, B. (2023). Fallacies. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://www.iep.utm.edu/fallacies/
• Lazard. (2021). The Utility of Solar Power & Its Cost Trends. Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis. https://www.lazard.com/p/levelized-cost-of-energy-and-levelized-cost-of-storage-2021/
• Tindale, C. W. (2007). Fallacies and Biases in Reasoning. Oxford University Press.
• Hanson, R. (2019). Thinking Critically About Fallacies: Practical Strategies for Better Reasoning. Journal of Contemporary Philosophy, 15(2), 115–130.