Reference no: EM133593055

Discussion Post

Think about any argument you have experienced in the last week or two that you believe contains a fallacy. Please keep in mind there are differences between fallacies and the rhetorical devices you learned about earlier in the course.

Present the gist of the argument as well as the named fallacy you believe was used by you or someone else. This could even be an argument (using the proper critical thinking definition of the term) you observed, but were not involved in.

Using any of the resources provided this week, provide a definition for the fallacy and an explanation of how this particular argument commits the fallacy.

Alternatively, share with us the one fallacy you believe you use more, why you think you use it, and what you will do now that you understand it is an error in reasoning.

Example: During an actual argument with my significant other, she seemed to run out of reasons on why she was right. She stopped, looked at me and said "You are just like your mother!"

It may be true, but as it was used, this is an ad hominem fallacy. It has nothing to do with her argument or the conclusion. Dowden defined ad hominem as "an irrelevant attack" to undermine my position.

Dowden, Bradley. "Fallacies." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.