Fallacies in Making a Case

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Fallacies in Making a Case
Five Fallacies of Relevance Two Fallacies of
Inadequate Evidence Four Fallacies of
Illegitimate Assumption
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• After death experiences are a reality. Despite
  years of attempts at debunking, no one has ever
  been able to show that reports from beyond the
  grave are all due to error, deception, or simply
  wishful thinking.

3
Ive been feeding this slot machine for 20
minutes, and the person before me pumped in 200
with no payout. Im due a hit any minute.
4
Nobody wants to say so in public, but we all
know that immigrants dont have as strong a
commitment to this country as those of us who
were born here.
5
The Dallas group held a rain dance at the Turtle
Creek fountain Sunday night, and the group
leader, Debra Denton, claimed it got results. It
rained, didnt it? she asked.
6
Dr. R.J. Palmer, one of New Yorks leading oral
surgeons, has pointed out that evolution theory
requires us to say that a species of reptile
changed into a birdlike creature, so the whole
absurd theory is mistaken. Dr. Palmers
scientific assessment shows why it is that no
reasonable person can be an evolutionist.
7
You dont have to be of noble birth to
appreciate Cutty Sark Scotch Whiskey. All that
is required is noble taste.
8
Americans reject gun control. A 2003 survey
conducted at the National Hunting Association
revealed that 71 of the 50 people interviewed
are opposed to legal regulation, including the
restriction of assault rifles.
9
We decided, in the absence of any reason to the
contrary, that we would eliminate recess as part
of the school day.
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Fallacies of Illegitimate Assumption
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Are women still discouraged from excelling in
sports by a lack of financial or emotional
support?
12
Once we adopt a policy of failing to enforce
laws prohibiting littering, loitering, and
panhandling, we might as well give up on
enforcing the laws on assault, rape, and murder.
13
Adultery cannot be justified. The reason it
cant is simply that it is never acceptable for a
married person to have sex with someone who is
not his or her spouse.
14
When can I make up the exam I missed?
15
We can achieve peace in the Middle East either
by negotiations or by war. Negotiations have led
nowhere, so what is there left to do but send in
troops?
16
If we recognize Cuba diplomatically, then we
will have to grant the same status to every
country run by an anti-American dictator.
17

The reason you cant trust Roth is that hes a
liar, a fraud, and a deliberate deceiver.
18
Senator Anson voted against the proposed
constitutional amendment prohibiting burning the
America flag as a form of protest. A legislator
must either support the amendment or support flag
burners. Senator Anson has made his choice, and
next November the voters will make theirs.
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Why do the Democrats always want to raise taxes?
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Fallacies of Criticism Response

Five Fallacies of Criticism Two Fallacies of
Defense

• Commonly committed either in criticizing a
  supported claim or in responding to criticisms
• Most frequently a dialogue exchange in the
  context of a challenge and response

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Jimmy Carter The survival of the world depends
on ending the cycle of nuclear arms development.
Thats why its crucial for us to join with other
nuclear states and sign the SALT II
Treaty. Ronald Reagan Jimmy Carter says we
should sign the SALT II Treaty because nobody
will like us if we dont.
22
If you cant come up with something besides the
feminist cliché that our ad demeans women, I
dont see any reason to answer you.
23
Gloria Grags views on fighting terrorism are
wrong. Is she an intelligence expert? No.
Someone with police experience? No. I tell you
what she is, shes a commercial baker. Thats
right, a cookie maker!
24
So I dont want to see gays in public office,
but youve got no room to object. You dont want
to see women get elected.
25

John Nowadays, female actresses are nothing
more than eye candy. Erica What about Hillary
Swank. Shes beautiful, but shes also has a lot
of talent. John Exactly! Hollywood wants us
to think theyre talented, but its just to
justify putting glamorous women in movies.
26
Senator Clemens says we should spend less on
giving tax rebates to the rich and more on
improving education. But this is just the same
tired liberal cliché weve heard beforenothing
worth taking seriously.
27
The president of Enron is as bankrupt morally as
his company is financially.
28
Youve never had a taste of beer, because beer
cant be tasted in a sip.
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Croatian Lumberjack

• A Croatian lumberjack developed a sudden interest
  in knitting and housework after receiving a
  woman's kidney in a transplant.  "They never
  warned me about the side effects," says Stjepan
  Lizacic, 56.  "My wife is the only one who is
  pleased."  His wife, Radmila, concedes she is
  enjoying the newfound help around the house.  "I
  only hope," she says," he doesn't start looking
  at other men.

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Arizona Ticket

• A pregnant Arizona motorist has failed to
  convince a judge that carrying an unborn child
  entitled her to drive in the car pool lane. 
  Candace Dickinson argued in court that when she
  was stopped for using a lane reserved for cars
  with two or more occupants, she was counting her
  fetus as a passenger.  Citing "common sense,"
  Judge Dennis Freeman let her 367 fine stand. 
  Sgt. Dave Norton, the officer who issued the
  ticket, said that Dickinson's logic "would
  require officers to carry guns, radios, and
  pregnancy testers, and I don't think we want to
  go there."