Logical Fallacies Practice

Directions: Identify the logical fallacy in each argument using your notes. Revise each argument so that they no longer contain a logical fallacy. After you are done, trade with a neighbor and check their revisions for any remaining logical fallacies.

Example: If I can’t listen to my headphones at school, I will get depressed. If I’m depressed, I won’t go to school. If I don’t go to school, I’ll fail and drop out. If I drop out, I’ll die. So if you don’t let me listen to my headphones, you’re killing me.

Logical Fallacy:         Slippery Slope        

Revision: Listening to my headphones at school helps me have a positive attitude. Studies show that a positive attitude is necessary for success in many things.

North West is now a teenager and wants to convince her parents to throw a huge party for all of her friends; her parents (Kim and Kanye) disagree. Each side resorts to logical fallacies in an effort to persuade their opponent. Read each argument carefully, identify the logical fallacy, and revise the arguments as stated above.

1. North: Mom, Dad, if you don’t let me have this party, I won’t be held responsible for the consequences. I will be the outcast of Hollywood! No one will invite me to A-list parties anymore, and I’ll only be invited to D-list parties. Everyone knows that D-list parties is where all the bad stuff happen. Next thing you know, I’m my generation’s Lindsey Lohan all because YOU wouldn’t let me have a party!

Logical Fallacy: ___________________________________________

2. Kim Kardashian: Bad stuff happens at all parties, not just D-list. We’re only trying to protect you from the evils of celebrity. Trust us; we’ve been there. Remember the 2009 VMAs, Yeezy? Poor Taylor Swift. She was humiliated because your Dad had a drinking problem. We just don’t want you to be humiliated.

Logical Fallacy: ___________________________________________

3. North: You guys are being ridiculous! That doesn’t have anything to do with what I was talking about. Anyway, Dr. Phil said it’s healthy and normal for teens to have parties.

Logical Fallacy: ___________________________________________

4. Kanye: Dr. Phil is not your dad. I’m your dad, and you can’t have a party because I said so.

Logical Fallacy: ___________________________________________

5. North: It’s not even a party! It’s more like a social gathering. A large social gathering. Nothing bad will happen.

Logical Fallacy: ___________________________________________

6. And Blue Ivy and Suri BOTH had parties when they were my age! Everyone who is everyone is having one! You’re seriously ruining my life!

Logical Fallacy: ___________________________________________

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Example: Slippery Slope

Key:

1. Slippery Slope
2. Non Sequitor; possibly straw man
3. Appeal to Authority
4. Dogmatism
5. Weasel Words
6. Bandwagon