Fallacies

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Fallacies A fallacy is defined as a kind of error in reasoning. They can be persuasive and be created both unintentionally and intentionally in order to deceive others from the truth. Fallacies often indicate a false belief or cause of a false belief (dowden, 2006). An argument or situation commits a fallacy when the reasons offered do not support the conclusion. This defeats the purpose of the argument since its point is to give reason to support the conclusion. Fallacies affect the outcome of our everyday decision making process. There are three types of logical fallacies discussed in this paper along with the importance of utilizing critical thinking skills. There are many opposing views in the world these days. Sometimes individuals create opinions based on inaccurate information. Because of the endless confrontation of other people's opinions, it is essential that we analyze the point of view from a critical thinking standpoint. Each argument or situation presented should be thought through to determine if it is accurate or if an aspect of the argument is logically wrong. There are many techniques to aid us in developing our skills for this. One technique is the ability to point out if the argument is a fallacy or not. Arguments from authority, red herring, and glittering generality are all examples of fallacies that, when understood correctly and applied using critical thinking, can assist us in our decision making process. Apple recently introduced its new ipod known as the ipod shuffle. This device is so compact that the company is comparing it to the size of a pack of gum. What Apple fails to mention is that when comparing the size of the product with a pack of gum, it does not include the headphone jack which needs... ... middle of paper ... ... every level and aspect to be able to identify logical fallacies. Individuals are easily persuaded into logical fallacies such as the red herring, appeal to authority, and glittering generality. By using critical thinking skills, an individual's opinion or argument can be formed logically and with reason. References Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, (2006). Fallacies. Retrieved Mar. 26, 2006, from www.wikipedia.org. apple computer inc, (2006). ipod shuffle. Retrieved Mar. 26, 2006, from www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/. dowden, b. (2006). . In the internet encyclopedia of philosophy [CD-ROM]. sacramento: california state university. www.iep.utm.edu/f/fallacies.htm toyota motor sales, u.s.a. inc., (2006). toyota 4runner. Retrieved Mar. 26, 2006, from www.toyota.com. gassham, g., irwin, w., nardone, h., & wallace, j. (2002). critical thinking. new york, ny: McGraw-Hill.

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