The cardinal virtue in reasoning is objectivity -- a commitment to thinking in accordance with the facts and interpreting them logically, without bias or prejudice. The fallacies we examine in this section involve the rejection of objectivity in one way or another. We examine four fallacies: Subjectivism Using the fact that one believes or wants a proposition to be true as evidence of its truth. Appeal to majority Using the fact that large numbers of people believe a proposition to be true as evidence of its truth. Appeal to emotion (argumentum ad populum) Trying to get someone to accept a proposition on the basis of an emotion it induces. Appeal to force (argumentum ad baculum) Trying to get someone to accept a proposition on the basis of a threat. Comprehension Questions 1. Identify the fallacy committed by the following argument. That is the best movie ever. Why? Because I really liked it. a) subjectivism b) appeal to majority c) appeal to emotion d) appeal to force 2. Identify the fallacy committed by the following argument. This is the right way to do it because I am the boss. a) subjectivism b) appeal to majority c) appeal to emotion d) appeal to force 3. Identify the fallacy committed by the following argument. One million computer users can't be wrong. a) subjectivism b) appeal to majority c) appeal to emotion d) appeal to force 4. Identify the fallacy committed by the following argument. It is easy to see that abortion using the new abortion pill is wrong. What could be more horrible that munching donuts while you flush the remains of your fetus down the toilet? a) subjectivism b) appeal to majority c) appeal to emotion d) appeal to force Fallacies Involving Credibility
We examine four fallacies:
Using the fact that one believes or wants a proposition to be true as evidence of its truth.
Using the fact that large numbers of people believe a proposition to be true as evidence of its truth.
Trying to get someone to accept a proposition on the basis of an emotion it induces.
Trying to get someone to accept a proposition on the basis of a threat.
That is the best movie ever. Why? Because I really liked it.
This is the right way to do it because I am the boss.
One million computer users can't be wrong.
It is easy to see that abortion using the new abortion pill is wrong. What could be more horrible that munching donuts while you flush the remains of your fetus down the toilet?