Fallacies

Fallacies are faulty arguments. Some faulty arguments are so common that they have been categorized since Greek and Roman times. Unfortunately, fallacies are a frequent element in modern arguments, sometimes used deliberately to mislead an audience or to obscure the facts. In general, fallacies involve misuses of rational, emotional, and ethical appeals. Fallacies can be convincing to those who do not think through the conclusions drawn, those who are easily swayed by prejudice or stereotypes, those who are emotionally distraught, or those who are swayed by charismatic and powerful speakers and writers. However, just because an argument works does not justify its use. And, for those, who know better, or are wiser, or calmer, or more thoughtful, the use of fallacious arguments is abhorrent and suggests a writer of low character, inexperience, or incompetence.

Below are several web sites that give detailed explanations of a variety of fallacies:

• Fallacies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Stephen Downes Guide to the Logical Fallacies
• The Nikzor Project: Fallacies, Michael C. Labossiere
• The Fallacy Files, Gary N. Curtis
• Logical Fallacies .info, Tim Holt

"Love is a Fallacy" is a humorous short story by Max Shulman, creator of Dobie Gillis, that illustrates how a knowledge of logical fallacies can be useful--after a fashion. [Note: No information is given on this site about the holder of copyright on this story.]

ENGL1010 Composition I