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9.13: Introduction to Logical Fallacies

  • Page ID
    58388
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    What you’ll learn to do: evaluate logical fallacies in argument

    Fallacies are errors or tricks of reasoning. We call it an error of reasoning if the fallacy occurs accidentally; we call it a trick of reasoning if a speaker or writer uses the fallacy in order to deceive or manipulate his or her audience. The following are reasons to avoid logical fallacies in your writing:

    • Logical fallacies can ruin an otherwise effective argument.
    • Logical fallacies can damage your ethos, or credibility, as a writer.
    • Logical fallacies can distract from the purpose of the argument.
    Watch It

    This video introduces you to some common fallacies, which we’ll examine in more detail soon.

    A link to an interactive elements can be found at the bottom of this page.

    You can view the transcript for “Critical Thinking Part 3: The Man Who Was Made of Straw” here (opens in new window).

    Contributors and Attributions

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Outcome: Logical Fallacies. Provided by: University of Mississippi. License: CC BY: Attribution
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