1.
Eating meatloaf is ok because we have been eating meatloaf for thousands of years.
What type of fallacy is this?
Correct Answer
A. Appeal to tradition
Explanation
This is an example of the fallacy of appeal to tradition. The argument is based on the belief that something is acceptable or correct simply because it has been done for a long time. However, the length of time something has been practiced does not necessarily make it right or valid.
2.
Either you are for me or against me.
What type of fallacy is this?
Correct Answer
A. False Dilemma
Explanation
This statement is an example of a false dilemma fallacy because it presents a situation as having only two possible options, when in reality there could be other alternatives or possibilities. It implies that one must either be fully supportive or completely against something, without acknowledging the possibility of a middle ground or different perspectives.
3.
If you can't see for yourself that I am the best-qualified person for the job, then perhaps my lawyer would be able to convince you.
What type of fallacy is this?
Correct Answer
B. Ad metum
Explanation
This is an example of the fallacy known as "Ad metum," also known as the appeal to fear. The speaker is suggesting that if the listener does not agree that they are the best-qualified person for the job, they will involve their lawyer, implying that legal action or consequences may follow. This appeal to fear is an attempt to manipulate the listener's emotions and intimidate them into agreeing with the speaker's claim.
4.
In both of the murder mysteries I have read, the District Attorney was the culprit. All mystery writers like to make lawyers out to be villains.
What type of fallacy is this?
Correct Answer
C. Hasty generalization
Explanation
The given statement is an example of a hasty generalization fallacy. The author assumes that because the District Attorney was the culprit in both murder mysteries they have read, it must be true for all murder mysteries. This conclusion is reached based on insufficient evidence and a small sample size, making it a hasty generalization.
5.
What does Ad Metum mean in English?
Correct Answer
D. Appeal to fear
Explanation
Ad Metum is a Latin phrase that translates to "Appeal to fear" in English. This fallacy occurs when someone tries to persuade or manipulate others by using fear or threats instead of presenting valid arguments or evidence. It is a tactic commonly used in advertising, politics, and propaganda to influence people's beliefs or actions based on their emotions rather than logical reasoning.
6.
Jane said her English class was hard, and the one I'm in is hard too. She said all English Classes must be hard.
What type of fallacy has Isabella committed?
Correct Answer
B. Hasty generalization
Explanation
Isabella has committed the fallacy of hasty generalization. She is making a general conclusion about all English classes based on her own and Jane's experiences without considering other possibilities or gathering enough evidence to support her claim.
7.
Which of the following is not a type of fallacy?
Correct Answer
B. Indices
8.
Which of the following is a misleading fallacy that make use of terms with more one than one meaning by glossing over which meaning that is intended at a particular time?
Correct Answer
A. Equivocation
Explanation
Equivocation is a misleading fallacy that occurs when terms with multiple meanings are used without clarifying which meaning is intended in a given context. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the argument. The person using equivocation may intentionally or unintentionally exploit the ambiguity of the terms to manipulate the audience's understanding or perception of the argument. It is important to be aware of equivocation in order to critically evaluate arguments and avoid being misled by deceptive language.
9.
Which of the following is a formal fallacy?
Correct Answer
B. Appeal to probability
Explanation
Appeal to probability is a formal fallacy in which the likelihood of an event occurring is used as evidence to support a claim. This fallacy assumes that because something is possible or probable, it must be true. However, probability alone does not guarantee the truthfulness of a claim. This fallacy ignores other relevant evidence and relies solely on the likelihood of an event happening, making it a formal fallacy.
10.
You are either an Angel or a Demon. You are not an Angel. Therefore, you are a Demon.
What type of fallacy is this?
Correct Answer
B. False Dilemma
Explanation
This is an example of a false dilemma fallacy. The argument presents only two options (being an Angel or a Demon) and assumes that if one option is false (not being an Angel), then the other option must be true (being a Demon). However, this overlooks the possibility of other alternatives or categories that may exist beyond just Angels and Demons.