Final Exam- Logical Fallacies Questions
and Answers
Either-or Fallacy (False dilemma) - Correct Answers -When only two choices are
presented yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two
extremes EX: You are for us, or you are against us.
False Analogy - Correct Answers -When a comparison is made between two ideas or
objects that seemingly have similar characteristics, but the comparison does not hold
up. EX: People who cannot go without their coffee every morning are no better than
alcoholics.
Ad Hominem - Correct Answers -used to counter another argument; but, it is based on
feelings or prejudice, rather than facts, reason or logic EX: He's not a great athlete; he's
a fraud, a cheat and a liar. That's why not everybody is "happy for Lance."
Appeal to Tradition - Correct Answers -Using historical preferences of the people
(tradition), either in general or as specific as the historical preferences of a single
individual, as evidence that the historical preference is correct EX: Everyone in our
family has gone to the University of Tennessee, so you need to apply to UT
Appeal to pity - Correct Answers -The attempt to distract from the truth of the conclusion
by the use of pity. EX: Ginger: Your dog just ran into our house and ransacked our
kitchen!
Mary: He would never do that, look at how adorable he is with those puppy eyes!
Hasty Generalization - Correct Answers -Drawing a conclusion based on a small
sample size, rather than looking at statistics that are much more in line with the typical
or average situation EX: Four out of five dentists recommend Happy Glossy Smiley
toothpaste brand. Therefore, it must be great.
Straw Man - Correct Answers -Substituting a person's actual position or argument with a
distorted, exaggerated, or misrepresented version of the position of the argument EX:
Zebedee: What is your view on the Christian God?
Mike: I don't believe in any gods, including the Christian one.
Zebedee: So you think that we are here by accident, and all this design in nature is pure
chance, and the universe just created itself?
Mike: You got all that from me stating that I just don't believe in any gods?
and Answers
Either-or Fallacy (False dilemma) - Correct Answers -When only two choices are
presented yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two
extremes EX: You are for us, or you are against us.
False Analogy - Correct Answers -When a comparison is made between two ideas or
objects that seemingly have similar characteristics, but the comparison does not hold
up. EX: People who cannot go without their coffee every morning are no better than
alcoholics.
Ad Hominem - Correct Answers -used to counter another argument; but, it is based on
feelings or prejudice, rather than facts, reason or logic EX: He's not a great athlete; he's
a fraud, a cheat and a liar. That's why not everybody is "happy for Lance."
Appeal to Tradition - Correct Answers -Using historical preferences of the people
(tradition), either in general or as specific as the historical preferences of a single
individual, as evidence that the historical preference is correct EX: Everyone in our
family has gone to the University of Tennessee, so you need to apply to UT
Appeal to pity - Correct Answers -The attempt to distract from the truth of the conclusion
by the use of pity. EX: Ginger: Your dog just ran into our house and ransacked our
kitchen!
Mary: He would never do that, look at how adorable he is with those puppy eyes!
Hasty Generalization - Correct Answers -Drawing a conclusion based on a small
sample size, rather than looking at statistics that are much more in line with the typical
or average situation EX: Four out of five dentists recommend Happy Glossy Smiley
toothpaste brand. Therefore, it must be great.
Straw Man - Correct Answers -Substituting a person's actual position or argument with a
distorted, exaggerated, or misrepresented version of the position of the argument EX:
Zebedee: What is your view on the Christian God?
Mike: I don't believe in any gods, including the Christian one.
Zebedee: So you think that we are here by accident, and all this design in nature is pure
chance, and the universe just created itself?
Mike: You got all that from me stating that I just don't believe in any gods?
