Formal Logic Argument Tests Fallacies Conducting
a Survey
Fallacies
Fallacies are flaws in logic that tend to persuade an individual that something is true without sound argumentation or reasoning. Debaters frequently perceive that something is wrong with an opponent's argument but they have difficulty pointing out the exact problem to the judge. To solve this problem, debaters should become familiar with the terminology used for specific fallacies, their definitions, and a pertinent example. Properly prepared, the debater will be able to quickly and effectively point out fallacies used by their opponents.
- Hasty Generalization: occurs when the data sampling is of an insufficient quantity to justify the conclusion, i.e. The poll surveyed 0.01 percent of the total population.
- Single Cause: occurs when an event with more than one cause is said to have only one, i.e. Because Suzy wore her shorts too short, we lost our short privileges.
- Post Hoc: occurs when one event is said to be the cause of a second event simply because they occurred in sequence, i.e. We won every game before George, our waterboy, failed Algebra; but, we've lost every game since. George is responsible for us losing the last three games.
- Either/or: occurs when an argument ignores the possibility of alternative solutions. i.e. Either you go out with me tonight, or you don't care about my feelings.
- False Analogy: when a weak or misleading comparison between two things is used, i.e. If you wear our clothes, you'll look like the models in our advertisements.
- Circular Reasoning: occurs when a conclusion is argued as true without providing evidence or support, i.e. You will do it because I said so, and since I am older than you I know what is best for you, so do it!.
- Bandwagon: occurs when something is believed or done by many other people, i.e. All the other schools in the county let seniors leave before lunch.
- Unreliable Testimony: occurs when the person making the endorsement is unqualified to do so, i.e. Betsy's mother said we wouldn't start school until after Labor Day.
- Snarl Words: occurs when words with powerful negative connotation are used to sway the audience, i.e. That's a nerdish way to say it.
- Purr Words: occurs when words with powerful positive connotation are used to sway the audience, i.e. It was an inexpensive watch he gave me. (Opposed to cheap.)
- Vague Terms: occurs when words or phrases that have no clear denotation are used, i.e. good, excellent, poor, bad, fine, etc.
Fallacy Exercise: Illustrate at least five examples by finding magazine advertisements using fallacies in an attempt to get you to purchase their product.
Conducting a Survey
Students can acquire a concrete understanding of inductive arguments by experience with setting up and conducting a survey and by evaluating and summarizing the raw data. Using a problem or controversy that is a concern at your school, conduct a survey and develop a valid conclusion.
Develop A Statement Of Proposition:
Students should be allowed to graduate after three years in high school if they are able to fulfill the graduation requirements.
Develop A Primary Question To Elicit A Response To The Proposition:
Do you agree with the statement? Students should be allowed to graduate after three years in high school if they are able to fulfill the graduation requirements.
Agree Disagree No Opinion
Develop Secondary Questions That Provide Elaboration To The Initial Response: (Responses should be specific and relatively brief.)
If you disagree with the statement above, which statements below support your opinion?
- Students are too immature to graduate in three years.
- Students will miss socially the most important year of their life.
- Students will miss vital elective courses that will prove beneficial later in life.
- Students should take additional course work that will better prepare them for college.
- Students who do not wish to complete all four years should get a GED.
- Allowing graduation after three years will interfere with sports and U.I.L. activities.
- Students would be required to take correspondence courses that are inferior to normal classes.
- Other: Please specify
Determine How You Will Obtain A Representative And Sufficient Sampling.
The most accurate way is to survey everyone, but that is usually too difficult. A second way is to use a random sampling, but how do you make sure the sample is 100% random and still representative. For the purpose of this survey, you should strive to survey 10% of all those concerned and develop controls to ensure that the sample is representative -
- 10% of all students, 10% of all teachers, 10% of all administrators, 10% of all parents,
- 10% of all whites, 10% of all blacks, 10% of all Hispanics,
- 10% of all males, 10% of all females,
- 10% of all Honors students, 10% of all Advanced, non-honors' students, 10% of regular track students, etc.
Writing A Report And Summary Of Your Findings. Your report will contain:
- Description of survey method and controls used.
- Summary of the raw data obtained from the survey.
- Conclusions drawn from the raw data.
- Recommendations resulting the survey result.
Argumentative Structures Review
- In your own words define argumentation, reasoning, and induction.
- What are the two components of an inductive argument?
- What are the three components of a cause/effect argument?
- What are the four tests of validity? In your own words define each.
- Write an example of a valid inductive argument.
- List and, in your own words, define at least five different argumentative fallacies.
- Vocabulary: argumentation - reasoning - induction - premise - conclusion - imply - links - credibility - true - representative - sampling - validity - hasty generalization - single cause - Post Hoc - either/or - false analogy - circular reasoning - bandwagon - snarl words - unreliable testimony - purr words - vague terms - fallacy