Logical Fallacies
Logical Fallacies A logical fallacy is, “an argument that contains a mistake in reasoning.”(Bassham, 140) Logical fallacies exist in many forms. Three of these fallacies have been named and categorized as the following: · Personal attack – attack on one’s character · Attacking the motive – criticizing the motive of an argument · Appeal to pity – an appeal to one’s emotion I will discuss these three fallacies and how they affect the thinking process. ... Understanding and avoiding/recognizing the fallacies is the goal. ... Because attorneys use these fallacies does not mean that attorneys are not critical thinkers. ... This can only be done by understanding the fallacies and using the strength of the fallacy to their advantage. Fallacies “are both frequently committed and often psychologically persuasive. ... Like the other two fallacies mentioned above, ‘appeal to pity’ is a misdirection tactic. ... But not all ‘appeals to pity’ are fallacies. ... Such is the persuasive power of fallacies. ... To summarize, fallacies are simply a part of life. ... Using logical fallacies have become an art form in some professions. There is a distinct advantage to understanding fallacies and the influence associated with them.