The Pervasive Presence of Informal Fallacies in Our Daily Lives, Essay Example

Informal fallacies are simply arguments which fail to support the premise it precludes to state. This type of fallacy typically occurs in non-deductive reasoning. Simply stated, a fallacy is a mistake in reasoning. Informal fallacies are dependent upon language; what is said, not how it is said. Content and form are the basis for informal fallacies. It is difficult to be able to tell whether an instance is fallacious from just content alone. The form aids in differentiating the various types of informal fallacies which exist.

A fallacy of Accident is a sweeping generalization. A fallacy in this incidence would be making a statement following common sense or using ‘rules of thumb’ which are generalizations not logical for all people or all cultures. It applies a general rule to a particular incidence with circumstances which make the rule inadequate.

Ambiguity informal fallacies occur when a word or words used have more than one definition. This type of fallacy demonstrates an argument can be false but seem to be valid. Unintentional ambiguous statements can be used as a means of getting by with something wrong, or they can also show humor through the ludicrous nature of the blunder. The main focus of Ambiguity is the fact that this creates changes in the meaning of the thoughts trying to be conveyed.

A circular argument, referred to as ‘Begging the Question’, is an argument which will request the ‘other side’ to concede certain points. This may be entertained as a means to speed up a process; however, it is a means to avoid the very points which need to be argued. This type of fallacy is often seen in debatable issues. This assumes a controversial point should be conceded by the other side.

Vagueness, although similar to Ambiguity, is different in that this refers to the characteristic of a single meaning with borderline characteristics. It is false without sound boundaries of meaning. Specifically one way to watch for this is through the meaning of common nouns and adjectives. It is also referred to as fake precision and slippery slope subfallacies.

Weak Analogy is also a form of informal fallacy which is also termed ‘questionable’. This is the most common fallacy and is often misleading. These types of arguments are extremely weak. Since there is always some similarity between any two objects, this fallacy can be misleading. The similarity does not have to be definition or alikeness, but rather what those things have in common.

A fallacy is simply a problem or imperfection in an argument which will lead a person to have a varying opinion different from the original intent. It is reasoning that is not able to verify the conclusion due to inefficiencies in form, content and wording. Formal and informal fallacies have distinct characteristics and can be used by an individual for good or evil, depending on the intent of that individual. A formal fallacy has an error in the arrangement (form) or structure of the argument. Formal fallacies are typically invalid arguments. In formal fallacies all statements can be true, but the concluding statement may be invalid. Formal fallacies involve invalid form; whereas informal fallacies involve unclear phrases and language. The misuse of language is the largest form of informal fallacies with misconceptions or illogical thought processes.

It is very easy to commit informal fallacies in day-to-day activities and interactions. Language is an art form in and of itself. Accidental misuse of words and phrases can unsuspectingly lead a person to a false conclusion. In speaking routinely to others, the time is not taken to make sure the premise of a statement will support the conclusion of the argument in a valid and acceptable manner. Unintentional informal fallacies are common and not meant to mislead or cause another person to make an incorrect decision. However, there are times when individuals use informal fallacies to deceive and attempt to persuade another to see one side of the argument only.

An example of an informal fallacy of Accident is shown in the argument that rationale is the most defining premise for man over other animals. Therefore, a person should use their brain in studying over pursuing recreational activities. This implies a person should be rational more often. This is a generalization and a presumption. When a person attempts to apply a rule of thumb to an abnormal event, an informal fallacy of Accident occurs.

A second example is the Appeal to Popularity, known also as Ad Populum. This fallacy is based on the principal that if the majority of the population are favorable towards the argument, then is must be factual. People used to believe the world was flat. Since no one knew for certain and the leaders of society were stating it was flat, then it was believed to be true due to the appeal to popularity. If someone reads in the newspaper that a new law was passed and most people were in agreement. If the reader then concludes that the new law must be good based on the fact that most people are reported to agree, they are following the Appeal to Popularity fallacy.

The fallacy of Composition occurs when a conclusion is determined about the whole of the argument based on features of the premises; however, this happens when no justification is evident. This type of fallacy uses individuals versus groups to make assumptions. A movie critic may report that a show was a masterpiece. However, the show has different components; they may be great acting and special effects, but that does not make the show good.

Avoiding fallacies takes thought and effort. When involved in an argument and/or debate, it is helpful to challenge the points. Consider the truthfulness of the argument; what are the strong and weak points. Think about the objective and ask questions which challenge the points. Identify unwarranted assertions and assumptions of the argument. Preventing fallacies is to think carefully about what to say, consider the opposition and learn from experience. Making common mistakes will deter and breakdown an argument. Avoid jumping to conclusions and do not confuse causes and effects.