Philosophy U2: Fallacies and Syllogisms

[syllogism] Affirming the Antecedent

If the girl was shopping(a), she was not at home(b).

The girl was shopping(a). 

Therefore she wasn’t at home(b).

[syllogism] Denying the Consequence

If the food is gone(a), they have eaten(b).

They have not eaten(b). 

Therefore the food is not gone(a).

[syllogism] Chain Argument

If Thomas is happy(a), he stays at the park(b).

If he stays at the park(b), he goes on the swing(c).

Therefore if Thomas is happy(a), he will be on the swing(c).

[syllogism] Disjunctive Syllogism

The girl grabbed either the fork(a) or the spoon(b).

She did not grab the fork(a).

Therefore she grabbed the spoon(b).

[syllogism] Fallacy of Denying the Antecedent

If the bus comes (a) then I will have a ride. (b) 

The bus does not come. (a) 

Therefore I do not have a ride (b).

[syllogism] Fallacy of Accepting the Consequence

If my dog is happy (a), then I am happy (b).

I am happy (b).

Therefore my dog is happy (a).

[fallacy] Personal Attack (ad hominem)

I wouldn’t take evidence from Allan. He stinks.

[fallacy] Guilty by Association

I would be friends with Tiffany, but I dont like Bethany and they’re friends.

[fallacy] Straw Person

You like your hair curly, you must hate everyone with straight hair?

[fallacy] Post Hoc

I did well on a test while wearing blue pants. I should wear these blue pants everytime I write a test.

[fallacy] Begging the Question

Its bedtime. You have to go to sleep because its bedtime.

[fallacy] Inconsistency

Paper straws are better for the environment than plastic straws. Becasue paper straws use trees for productiion and trees are important to the enviroment.

[fallacy] False dichotomy

If you like cats, you must hate dogs.

[fallacy] Glittering Generalizations

Buy this car and get the best in excellent quality and transportation.

[fallacy] Appeal to Authority (ad verecundiam)

My dad says hockey is the best sport, so that’s the sport I play.

[fallacy] Card Stacking

Sugar is necessary for your health. It is delicious and makes you happy.

[fallacy] Band Wagon

Star Wars is the best movie series of all time. That’s what everyone says.

[fallacy] To Quo Que

Sure I got question 4 wrong on the test. But so did you.

[fallacy] Equivocation

That movie was really good, it was just so amazing.

[fallacy] Narrative

The bear attacked the wolf, the wolf fought it off and survived. They then lived a long happy life.