Fallacies of Illicit Presumption

What is the Accident fallacy (Misapplied General Rule)?

It happens when a general rule is applied to a specific case that it was not intended to cover.

Can you give an example of the Accident fallacy?

'Cutting people with a knife is a crime. Surgeons cut people with knives. Therefore, surgeons are criminals.'

What does Begging the Question (Petitio Principii) entail?

This fallacy occurs when the conclusion is assumed in the premises, essentially restating itself.

Provide an example of Begging the Question.

'God exists because the Bible says so, and the Bible is true because it is the word of God.'

What is a Loaded Question?

A question that contains an unfair or unjustified assumption, trapping the respondent.

Give an example of a Loaded Question.

'Have you stopped cheating on exams?' implicates inherent assumptions about past behavior.

What defines a False Choice (False Dilemma, False Dichotomy)?

It presents only two options as if they are the only possibilities, ignoring other alternatives.

Provide an example of a False Choice.

'You’re either with us or against us.' ignores neutrality.

What is the Composition fallacy?

It assumes that what is true for individual parts must also be true for the whole.

Can you give an example of the Composition fallacy?

'Each member of the soccer team is a great player, so the team must be the best in the league.'

What is the Division fallacy?

It assumes that what is true for the whole must also be true for its individual parts.

Provide an example of the Division fallacy.

'The company is very successful, so every employee must be rich.'