Bias - an insensitivity to evidence
Also known as ad hominem, which is latin for "against the man"
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Indicates that the attack is directed towards the speaker rather than towards their argument
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Simple abuse - here, we simply insult our opponent
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-EX: Those who disagree with me when I say that humanity is corrupt prove that they have already been corrupted.
Poisoning the well - occurs when we criticise a person's motivation for offering a particular argument or claim, rather than examining the worth of the argument or claim itself
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-The opponent fails to follow their own advice
EX: You cant tell me not to smoke. You smoke like a chimney.
-This has nothing to do with the quality or validity of the argument.
Tu quoque - "look who's talking". A person is charged with acting in a manner that is incompatible with the position he or she is arguing for
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Personal Attack
An appeal to our emotions using theatrical language. Using flattery to get people on your side
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EX: Since you are a college audience, I know I can speak to you about difficult matter
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EX: I'm a working man myself, and I kno how hard it is to make ends meet.
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Mob Appeal
Exploits a single emotion, sympathy
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to single out the pity of one person
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Occurs when we attempt to evoke feelings of pity or compassion in order to cause you to assert to our claim
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Appeal to pity is fallacious because it fails by its structure to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate contexts for having feelings of sympathy
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The Appeal to Pity
The use of threats or force to cause acceptance of a conclusion
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EX: If you do not convict this murderer, you may be his next victim
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EX: Don’t argue with me, remember who pays your salary.
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Appeal to Force or Fear
Occurs when we apply a double standard, one for ourselves and one for everyone else
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language has a character in which situations have a positive and negative viewpoint
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EX: the ruthless tactics of the enemy, his fanatical suicide attacks, have been foiled by the stern measures of our commanders and the devoted self-sacrifice of our troops
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EX: Teaching is no longer a woman's job. It is now seen as a tough, exciting place where things are happening
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Special Pleading
Chapter 5 Text Notes
February-07-12
1:08 AM
Ch.5 Text Notes Page 1