Informal

Red Herrings

Irrelevant information to distract from the argument.

Red Herring or not?

When asked about using drugs, the claimant said “I’ve never touched the stuff”.

The government needs to lower taxes. It spends too much on people on social assistance. These people need to get jobs.

When asked if she ever cheated on tests, the principal asked, “Do you always ask people personal questions? Have you no boundaries?”

How can deforestation be bad, when wood, especially cedar, smells so good in the fireplace?

So what if human caused climate change is real, we need to get the jobless rate down.

“Vaccinations have eliminated some of the diseases that have plague humans for generations.
A few are returning due to a loss of herd immunity.”

You should avoid keeping a loaded gun at home. Having a gun in the household increases your chances of death.

Arranged marriages are the way to go. Statistically, they outlast “love” marriages.

Special Pleading

Using a double standard or argues for an unjustified exception.

Emotion is often the fuel for the exception.

“I could do this, but I don’t want to......”

.... add some rationalization.

“Most people who bully are in the wrong, but I had a tough childhood.”

Police officers ticket speeders, but give off duty officers a pass.

Officers aren’t suppose to run red lights, unless responding to an emergency.

“I’m not gambling, this is bingo, not poker.”

The school’s staff room is off limits to students, however, grad photos are there today.

“Why aren’t you hanging up your coat/pack...

“Quick, a kid was struck by a car in the parking lot.”

“I can’t leave the school at 4, my parents can’t pick me up until 5.”

Cosmetic surgery for anyone who isn’t an adult should be banned, unless you have your guardian’s permission.

The government allows you personal freedoms, unless the majority of Canadians don’t like what you want to do.

You have to use shared bathrooms, unless it makes you uncomfortable.

Are IPPs a form of special pleading?

We need to provide provide for the homeless, but first lets consider footwear!

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person or their motives rather than the argument.

You would say that our moral sphere must include other animals; you’re a tree hugger.

To suggest raising taxes is a good thing? This is coming from someone who binges on carbohydrates to problem solve.

Tony wants us to believe that abiogenesis is possible. Why would I listen someone who isn’t married?

Genetic Fallacy
Condemning an argument because of where it started, how it began or who began it.

What, you’re thirty five and still believe in Santa?

“You disagree with the idea of women PM because of your right wing identity.”

Appeal to Irrelevant Authority

I always seek IT advice from my car mechanic.

According to Joe Rogan, eating only meat for a month is healthy.

Bandwagon Fallacy

60% of Canadians think the Wet’suwet’en rail blockades are wrong.

“Most people are saying that moral absolutes are relative”

“Streets are for cars only because everyone owns a car.”

Straw Man

“Honest background checks are required for gun ownership”.

“People, this guy wants all of your guns.”

To do

• You’ll find a lot of fodder on social media and some news sites.
• Select an example of a logical fallacy.
• Identify it and be able to unpack it.