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Categorizing Fallacies

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Categorizing Fallacies

Categorize each fallacy statement by copying and pasting it into the text box adjacent to its matching fallacy type.

Fallacy Statements

Fallacy Type Fallacy Statement
Ad hominem/genetic I don’t care if she is the top psychiatrist in the state! Her theory on sibling rivalry is extreme. How can we believe anything she says if she subscribes to theories of that nature?
Wishful thinking Sure, I’ve heard that it’s better to not eat cheeseburgers every day, but it’s extra protein and protein is good for you.

“Argument” from popularity
From a conspiracy theorist: “Come on, everyone knows that the government has lied to us in the past. This case isn’t any different.”

Hasty generalizing My friend, who goes to college in another state, said girls from that sorority are mean. That girl we just met, Tracy, is from the same sorority, so I don’t trust her

“Argument” from outrage

From one mom to another: “I can’t believe Shelia lets her kids watch that garbage! I always knew she wasn’t very strict. Now our kids will be over there watching that junk, too!”

Straw man From one politician about another: “He’s a two-faced, liberal, anti-family, anti-values idealist!”

Post hoc If it weren’t for the president’s environmental policy, we wouldn’t be dealing with these environmental catastrophes.

Red herring/smokescreen From a teenager confronted by his parent about breaking curfew: “Why do we have to keep harping on this curfew thing? Let’s talk about that A grade I’m getting in algebra.”

Group think It’s disgraceful that a member of the Elks Lodge would go out to fast food restaurants every night. The Elks believe in family values, including home-cooked meals.

Scare tactics On a radio ad: “Have you been fatigued, irritable, moody? If these symptoms are ignored, you might become depressed or even suicidal! Ward off the blues

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