Faulty Reasoning and Logical Fallacies

FAULTY REASONING AND LOGICAL FALLACIES
10.3

A critical thinker has a healthy attitude of wanting to avoid nonsense, to find the truth, and to discover the best course of action. Logical reasoning is essential to solving any problem, whether simple or complex. A critical thinker needs to go one step further to check that an argument hasn’t been based on any logical fallacies, which are mistakes in reasoning that contain invalid arguments or irrelevant points that weaken the logic of an argument. When confronted with logical fallacies, critical thinkers aim to be logical instead of defensive or emotional.

Here are some of the most common logical fallacies:

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Logic That Just Doesn’t Fly
This cartoon is an obvious example of faulty reasoning. Some conversations or arguments tend to include reasoning like this. Can you think of an illogical leap like this one that someone used in an argument with you? How did you use critical thinking to counter it? Or did your emotions get the best of you?
Source: © Randy Glasbergen

Fallacies like these can slip into even the most careful reasoning when someone is trying to make a point. One false claim can change an entire argument, so be on the lookout for weak logic in what you read, write, hear, or say. Check the facts presented in an argument. Do not just accept them because several other people do. Remember that accurate reasoning is a key factor for success in college and in life.

YOUR TURN > DISCUSS IT

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Have you ever used or heard someone use any of these logical fallacies to justify a decision? Why was it wrong to do so?