Informal fallacies should be learned to avoid mistakes

Reference no: EM13523632

The Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) thought informal fallacies should be learned to avoid mistakes in our own reasoning and to detect deceptions in others. However, a rival group of philosophers known as Sophists became proficient in fallacies in order to practice deceptions that could make them powerful and wealthy. When looking at the motives of advertisers, politicians, and salesmen in today’s society, one wonders whether it is the legacy of the Sophists, rather than Socrates, that is dominant in our culture. What do you think of this? Should logic be used only to detect and decry deception, or is it justifiable to use it for power and profit? Is there a middle ground or other alternative here? Defend your point of view.

Reference no: EM13523632

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