Critical Thinking

From the assignment: Analyze Fallacies

Use the Internet, newspaper, or magazine sources to locate appropriate examples that present the four types of fallacies.

1. Fallacy of Generalizing from Incomplete Information (inductive)
2. Fallacy of Overlooking Alternatives (inductive)
3. Fallacy of Affirming the Consequent (deductive) 
4. Fallacy of Denying the Antecedent (deductive) 

The example could be a cartoon, an article, or advertisement. As an alternative, you may also construct your own examples.

Tips

1. Make sure you understand the definitions of each of these fallacy types. 
2. Review required reading for clarification.
3. Try explaining each one using descriptions and examples that you would use to explain them to friends or family members.
4. The sources suggested in this assignment are intentionally broad. Be open to personal and political biases as well as advertising strategies.  
5. Be on the lookout for dramatic claims -- or statements that seem too good to be true. 
6. Keep an eye out for scientific-sounding language that is not backed up by data or specific sources.
7. Consider what types of sources might be less rigorous about the application of sound logic. 
8. Consider what categories of authors are more likely to rely on faulty logic to persuade.