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I'm new here and I may be a bit presumptuous in this post, but I've noticed a lot of posters using fallacies in their reasoning on this board. I think that's common and understandable as they are not taught in most college classes anymore unless you take a logic class, or, um, one of mine. Anyway, I thought I would do my civic duty and post a link if anyone is interested in learning how to avoid them and, therefore, reason more effectively.
I swear, I am not being condescending! I just think it's a useful tool when discussing such important topics. Enjoy!
I'm new here and I may be a bit presumptuous in this post, but I've noticed a lot of posters using fallacies in their reasoning on this board. I think that's common and understandable as they are not taught in most college classes anymore unless you take a logic class, or, um, one of mine. Anyway, I thought I would do my civic duty and post a link if anyone is interested in learning how to avoid them and, therefore, reason more effectively.
I swear, I am not being condescending! I just think it's a useful tool when discussing such important topics. Enjoy!
This is absolutely true, and I'd go so far as to make the claim that, without logical fallacies, broad generalizations, and the selective presenting of facts and the repression of others, that no forum on immigration, gay marriage, racism, or any similar controversial topic would be possible. Every one of us has an agenda. Some of us do try to be objective (while others aren't so concerned). But ultimately, all of us are more sympathetic to our OWN cause than we are to the OTHER guy's. (And most if us are VERY intolerant--some are intolerant of one thing, while others are intolerant of the opposite, and many are intolerant of intolerance !!!)
I'm new here and I may be a bit presumptuous in this post, but I've noticed a lot of posters using fallacies in their reasoning on this board. I think that's common and understandable as they are not taught in most college classes anymore unless you take a logic class, or, um, one of mine. Anyway, I thought I would do my civic duty and post a link if anyone is interested in learning how to avoid them and, therefore, reason more effectively.
I swear, I am not being condescending! I just think it's a useful tool when discussing such important topics. Enjoy!
This post is guilty of at least 5 of the fallicies listed
Well, IMHO, everybody has a different way of thinking.. and what may seem logical to some is not logical to others. Everybody is guilty of logical fallacies. I know I tend to do this when it comes to the result of another action.
And life is full of logical fallacies. An example off the top of my head: Michael Vick charged with dog fighting. (Well... now he's plead guilty... but still) How in the world did it come to pass that the only reason he was even charged (in some people's minds...) was purely because of racial tension and discrimination within the legal system?
I know there's many more.. but I don't feel like searching through the daily paper for a more recent one...
But IMHO, I think the reason people use logical fallacies is because life in general is full of them.
This is absolutely true, and I'd go so far as to make the claim that, without logical fallacies, broad generalizations, and the selective presenting of facts and the repression of others, that no forum on immigration, gay marriage, racism, or any similar controversial topic would be possible. Every one of us has an agenda. Some of us do try to be objective (while others aren't so concerned). But ultimately, all of us are more sympathetic to our OWN cause than we are to the OTHER guy's. (And most if us are VERY intolerant--some are intolerant of one thing, while others are intolerant of the opposite, and many are intolerant of intolerance !!!)
I agree! I don't think anyone could argue for true objectivity in anything. I think what I see missing is the willingness to allow for our own fallability in our discourse. I've been wrong a time or two so I assume I will be so again. If that is the case, how can I not at least try to listen to the other person and present reasoned arguments? Yeah, I struggle with it!
At first glance, this seems like a logical fallacy. I mean, if a person is in poverty, how can they afford enough food to become "obese" by official BMI standards? That makes no sense. But a further look in shows that because of a lack of money, the family will buy cheap foods such as ramen and "heat'n'eat meals" that have an overabundance of carbs.. and other "dense" energy foods instead of more expensive wholesome foods.
Here's another one. Banning guns increasing crime.
Ok, so how does this happen? If we can't get guns, why does crime go up? (BTW, this happened in the UK) Here's how: A criminal is already breaking the law by committing acts of robbery or assault. He or she knows that a Law abiding citizen is NOT going to have a long-range deadly firearm... therefore, making the general public easy targets.
So nya! Logical fallacies may seem illogical as face value.. but there is LOGIC behind (or before...?) that fallacy. Can't spell "Logical fallacy" without logic!
Well, IMHO, everybody has a different way of thinking.. and what may seem logical to some is not logical to others. Everybody is guilty of logical fallacies. I know I tend to do this when it comes to the result of another action.
And life is full of logical fallacies. An example off the top of my head: Michael Vick charged with dog fighting. (Well... now he's plead guilty... but still) How in the world did it come to pass that the only reason he was even charged (in some people's minds...) was purely because of racial tension and discrimination within the legal system?
I know there's many more.. but I don't feel like searching through the daily paper for a more recent one...
But IMHO, I think the reason people use logical fallacies is because life in general is full of them.
I agree. And let's face it, they can be really compelling and seductive.
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Anyway, I thought I would do my civic duty and post a 
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for a more recent one...
