Logic, Fallacies, and Media Evaluation in Unit 1A

Logic

The study of the methods and principles of reasoning.

Argument

A process that uses a set of facts or assumptions to support a specific result.

Premises

The set of facts or assumptions used to provide support within an argument.

Conclusion

The result or claim that the premises are intended to support.

Fallacy

A deceptive argument in which the conclusion is not well supported by the premises.

Appeal to Popularity

When someone makes up something to appeal to popularity; just because a lot of people believe it doesn't make it true.

False Cause

Just because the first event happened chronologically before the second event doesn't mean it 100% caused it.

Appeal to Ignorance

If we cannot prove event A is true, it does not mean event A must be false.

Hasty Generalization

If it happens once or twice, it doesn't mean it is the cause every time.

Limited Choice

Prevents other choices that ought to be considered.

Appeal to Emotion

If it's a good generalized thing or viewed positively by society, it doesn't mean it inherently true.

Personal Attack

I attack someone so I can weaken their argument because I don't like their argument.

Circular Reasoning

Your reasoning for an argument is also the conclusion.

Diversion (Red Herring)

A diversion, intentionally putting something else in an argument, or not properly supporting the argument.

Straw Man

Someone is unaware, uninvolved, or out of touch with the argument they're trying to support.

Consider the source

Is the source of the information clear? Does the source have credibility on this issue?

Check the date

Can you determine when the information was written? Is it still relevant, or is it outdated?

Validate accuracy

Can you validate the information from other sources? Do you have good reason to believe it is accurate?

Watch for hidden agendas

Is the information presented fairly and objectively, or is it manipulated to serve some particular or hidden agenda?

Don't miss the big picture

Does the claim make sense? Does it conflict with other things you think are true?

Mars in the Night Sky Claim

On August 27, Mars will look as large and bright as the full Moon. This claim originally arose in 2003.

Key Fact about Mars

Mars is approximately 150 times as far from Earth as the Moon is.

Importance of identifying fallacies

It's important to know when sources or people are trying to mislead, manipulate, or make simple issues deceptive.

Difficulty in validating sources

A lot of people can easily believe stuff, go check it online for validity but end up with sources that don't offer the conclusion they're looking for.