Avoiding Logical Fallacies
What is a logical fallacy?
"You've probably heard of Aristotle, the Greek philosopher and scientist, known as the father of logic. Among his vast contributions to the body of knowledge were in reasoning and fallacies. Rhetoric, the study of argument and persuasive strategies, and logical fallacy refers to faulty reasoning or a breakdown in the logic of an argument. As writers, we try to avoid fallacies to prove our arguments; as readers, it's important to be able to identify fallacies to discover whether or not we are being misled or if we cannot trust the information we're receiving. While logical fallacies in arguments are often unintentional, writers can sometimes use them intentionally to mislead or manipulate an audience." (Dr. Francesca M. Marinaro)
"You've probably heard of Aristotle, the Greek philosopher and scientist, known as the father of logic. Among his vast contributions to the body of knowledge were in reasoning and fallacies. Rhetoric, the study of argument and persuasive strategies, and logical fallacy refers to faulty reasoning or a breakdown in the logic of an argument. As writers, we try to avoid fallacies to prove our arguments; as readers, it's important to be able to identify fallacies to discover whether or not we are being misled or if we cannot trust the information we're receiving. While logical fallacies in arguments are often unintentional, writers can sometimes use them intentionally to mislead or manipulate an audience." (Dr. Francesca M. Marinaro)
Personal Anecdote
The personal anecdote fallacy says that a personal experience or a individual event does not necessarily indicate a trend. A personal story or an isolated event is insufficient data to make a conclusion. This is called anecdotal evidence.
For example;
"My grandfather smoked a pack of cigarettes a day and he lived to be 97 years old! Therefore, cigarettes aren't that bad!"
"This treatment worked for me so it it's a valid medical approach."
"I drive all the time and I've never had an accident. If you drive carefully, there isn't any risk to driving."
"My cousin had a bad experience at the university; I wouldn't recommend going there."
"All my friends think that X so it must be true!"
"I was bitten by a dog as a child so dogs are unsuitable and unsafe pets for families with children."
"I tried X diet and I lost 10 pounds. You should try the same diet!"
For example;
"My grandfather smoked a pack of cigarettes a day and he lived to be 97 years old! Therefore, cigarettes aren't that bad!"
"This treatment worked for me so it it's a valid medical approach."
"I drive all the time and I've never had an accident. If you drive carefully, there isn't any risk to driving."
"My cousin had a bad experience at the university; I wouldn't recommend going there."
"All my friends think that X so it must be true!"
"I was bitten by a dog as a child so dogs are unsuitable and unsafe pets for families with children."
"I tried X diet and I lost 10 pounds. You should try the same diet!"