Evaluating Fallacious Arguments
Below is a series of five fallacious arguments. In one paragraph each, explain why each argument is fallacious and identify the fallacy being committed. In identifying the
relevant fallacy, be sure to give an explanation of what that fallacy is. Be comprehensive in your explanations, and cite at least one source to support each explanation (in APA
format).
Argument 1
1. My algebra class is a nightmare.
2. Nightmares are bad dreams.
3. Therefore, my algebra class is a bad dream.
Argument 2
We can trust Andrew’s testimony because Andrew himself said so, and Andrew is a trustworthy person.
Argument 3
If we loosen the office dress code, soon everyone will start showing up naked! Therefore, we shouldn’t loosen the office dress code.
Argument 4
Nobody has disproved that there exists alien life. So, until proven otherwise, it’s reasonable to conclude that alien life does exist.
Evaluating Fallacious Arguments
Argument 5
You shouldn’t vote Republican because Republicans hate the poor
