Frequent Notorious Logical Fallacies

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1.How to avoid errors in reasoning and spot them in arguments?[Original Blog]

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can undermine the validity and soundness of an argument. They are often used intentionally or unintentionally to persuade, manipulate, or deceive others. As computer logic enthusiasts, we should be aware of the common logical fallacies and how to avoid them in our own reasoning and spot them in others' arguments. In this section, we will explore some of the most frequent and notorious logical fallacies, their definitions, examples, and tips on how to counter them.

Here is a numbered list of some common logical fallacies:

1. Ad hominem: This is when you attack the person making the argument instead of the argument itself. This is a fallacy because the character or motives of the person have nothing to do with the validity of their claims. For example, if someone says "You can't trust anything John says, he is a liar and a cheat", they are committing an ad hominem fallacy. To avoid this fallacy, focus on the evidence and logic of the argument, not the person making it. To counter this fallacy, point out the irrelevance of the personal attack and ask for the evidence to support the claim.

2. Straw man: This is when you misrepresent or distort someone's argument to make it easier to attack or refute. This is a fallacy because it creates a false impression of what the other person is saying and avoids addressing their actual points. For example, if someone says "I think we should reduce our carbon emissions to combat climate change", and you reply "So you want to ban all cars and make us live in caves?", you are creating a straw man fallacy. To avoid this fallacy, represent the other person's argument fairly and accurately, and address their actual points. To counter this fallacy, point out the distortion and ask for clarification of what the other person is actually saying.

3. Appeal to authority: This is when you use the opinion or testimony of an authority figure as the sole or primary basis for your argument, without providing any other evidence or reasoning. This is a fallacy because the authority figure may not be an expert on the subject, may be biased or mistaken, or may not have the final say on the matter. For example, if someone says "Dr. Smith says that vaccines are harmful, so it must be true", they are committing an appeal to authority fallacy. To avoid this fallacy, provide other sources of evidence and reasoning to support your argument, and acknowledge the limitations and qualifications of the authority figure. To counter this fallacy, question the credibility, relevance, and consistency of the authority figure, and ask for other evidence and reasoning to support the claim.

4. False dilemma: This is when you present only two options or alternatives as the only possible solutions to a problem, when in fact there may be more. This is a fallacy because it limits the scope of the discussion and excludes other valid options. For example, if someone says "You are either with us or against us", they are creating a false dilemma fallacy. To avoid this fallacy, consider all the possible options and alternatives, and evaluate them based on their merits and drawbacks. To counter this fallacy, point out the false dichotomy and suggest other options and alternatives that may be more reasonable or feasible.