Logical Fallacies (AP Lang)
Exam Questions and Answers
Hasty Generalization - -Assumptions about a whole group or range of cases
based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because its atypical or just too
small)
Example: "My roommate said herphilosphy class was, and my philosophy
class is hard too, so all philosophy classes must be hard!"
- Missing the Point - -The premises of an argument do not support a
particular conclusion - but not the conclusion the author actually draws.
Example: The seriousness of a punishment should match the seriousness of
a crime, right now the punishment of a DUI is a fine, but drunk driving is a
very serious crime that can kill people, so the punishment should be the
death penalty.
- Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc - -(After this, therefore because of this)
assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B
Example: President Jones raised taxes an then the rate of violent crime went
up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime.
- Slippery Slope - -(The camel's nose) chain reaction ending in some dire
consequence
Example:
Animal experimentation reduces our respect for life, if we don't respect life
we are likely to be more tolerant of violent acts such as war and murder,
soon our society will become a battlefield in which everyone constantly fears
for their life.
- Weak Analogy - -If the two things the author is comparing are not alike the
analogy is weak.
Example: Guns are like hammers with metal parts that could be used to kill
someone, restricting the purchase of a hammer is ridiculous, so the
restriction of buying a gun is ridiculous as well.
- Faulty Appeal to Authority - -Adding strength to an argument by referring
to respected sources or athorities and explaining their positions on the issues
we're discussing.
Exam Questions and Answers
Hasty Generalization - -Assumptions about a whole group or range of cases
based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because its atypical or just too
small)
Example: "My roommate said herphilosphy class was, and my philosophy
class is hard too, so all philosophy classes must be hard!"
- Missing the Point - -The premises of an argument do not support a
particular conclusion - but not the conclusion the author actually draws.
Example: The seriousness of a punishment should match the seriousness of
a crime, right now the punishment of a DUI is a fine, but drunk driving is a
very serious crime that can kill people, so the punishment should be the
death penalty.
- Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc - -(After this, therefore because of this)
assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B
Example: President Jones raised taxes an then the rate of violent crime went
up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime.
- Slippery Slope - -(The camel's nose) chain reaction ending in some dire
consequence
Example:
Animal experimentation reduces our respect for life, if we don't respect life
we are likely to be more tolerant of violent acts such as war and murder,
soon our society will become a battlefield in which everyone constantly fears
for their life.
- Weak Analogy - -If the two things the author is comparing are not alike the
analogy is weak.
Example: Guns are like hammers with metal parts that could be used to kill
someone, restricting the purchase of a hammer is ridiculous, so the
restriction of buying a gun is ridiculous as well.
- Faulty Appeal to Authority - -Adding strength to an argument by referring
to respected sources or athorities and explaining their positions on the issues
we're discussing.
