Logical Fallacies are like air,they are everywhere and seem unnoticeable for many people. But unlike air,these are not beneficial and should be avoided.
I spend most of my time in social medias—in Facebook,Twitter,you name it. A thing I noticed that is always present is logical fallacy— a thing I farther understand in our Philosophy class.I commonly encounter logical fallacies in the comment section of a post in Facebook about news that can be linked to politics.
Logical Fallacies are the common flaws and errors in the structure of an argument which undermine and invalidate the argument. These are the faulty reasoning in arguments, so these must be avoided and identified for a bigger chance winning an argument. Knowing these logical fallacies is important to avoid using these, to compose better arguments,and identify logical missteps.
The following are some of these logical fallacies:
AD HOMINEM
Ad Hominem is a faulty reasoning based on the feelings of the arguer,rather logic,evidences, and reasons.It is often an attack to a person's character rather than one's argument.
Example: "Puro ka reklamo. Ano ba'ng ambag mo?" (Attacking the person rather than his argument of a complaint.)
HASTY GENERALIZATION
Hasty Generalization is making a conclusion from a small sample size,rather than basing at statistics and data that are much more in line with the average situation,making the argument not logically justified.It happens when one generalize an experience, rather than bigger sample size,statistics,evidences and facts.
Example: "Terorista lahat ng nag-aaral diyan."
(Forming a conclusion that all students of a certain university are terrorists based on small numbers known.)
FALSE DILEMMA
False Dilemma also called False Dichotomy or "Either-or" Fallacy is a logical fallacy that only process limited,usually two options or side despite the existence of countless possible outcomes or sides.
Example: "Kung ayaw niyo sa Dolomite,ibalik nalang yung basura."
(Disagreeing about having dolomite in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay,doesn't mean they want the trash back.They may want long-lasting rehabilitation or prioritize something else.)
SLIPPERY SLOPE
Slippery Slope is a logical fallacy a is an argument , without providing evidences,that a specific action or proposition will cause an undesirable outcome in a series of events.
Example:(Stop with the seriousness,it's time for humor. This is my fave example of slippery slope.)
Lost your pen= no pen
No pen= no notes
No notes= no study
No study=no fail
Fail=no diploma
No diploma=no work
If you lose you pen,you won't have work.
Do you use logical fallacies in arguments? If yes, it step up the game and change. It is important to know and avoid logical fallacies to have better arguments and to be a better arguer.
I don't mean to offend anyone(of there is), I just want to give advice and knowledge.
Great article <3 Philosophy is my hobby and I am really fascinated how fallible human is. Knowing these fallacies will improve our chances to know the trust against our biases. Great writing <3