Sie sind auf Seite 1von 9

How can I think about

FALLACIES in my VRA?
Chapter 5 in EA
Fallacies of Emotional Argument (Pathos)
SCARE TACTIC: exaggerating possible dangers well beyond
statistical likelihood
Example: PSA that exaggerates peoples fear of job loss, and persuades people to fear
immigration rights.
Fear = irrational action

EITHER-OR CHOICES
Reducing complicated issues to just 2 options.
Example: Ad that states Recycle or kill the rain forest in fact, there are other ways
besides recycling that can save the rainforest like planting more trees, protesting
deforestation, etc.
Chapter 5 in EA
SLIPPERY SLOPE: tiniest misstep today = future disaster
Example: PSA that states not taking the time to vote will turn our government into a dictatorship.
Exaggerating likely consequences of an action

OVERLY SENTIMENTAL APPEALS
Uses tender emotions excessively to distract from facts.
Sarah McLachlan Pet Abuse commercial distracts from the fact that children, not animals, are
perhaps more in need of help.
Chapter 5 in EA
BANDWAGON APPEAL: everyone is doing it
Example: Ad for Budweiser that shows a group of people are drinking beer (implicit)


Chapter 5 in EA
Fallacies of Ethical Argument (ethos)
APPEAL TO FALSE CREDIBILITY: giving someone authority they dont
really deserve
Example: Ad that implies because Paris Hilton promotes Secret Deoderant, it must good). If
she doesnt even use that deodorant, then she doesnt have the authority or credibility to
make a claim about it.

DOGMATISM: a particular position is the ONLY ONE that is
acceptable
Implies that the truth is self evident and needs no support.
Chapter 5 in EA
AD HOMINEM: attacks the character of a person rather than
argument he or she is making.
Aim is to destroy credibility

STACKING THE DECK: address only one side of the story the one in
their favor.
PSA that only addresses the evils nuclear energy, but does not even address that some
people think it is a good thing.
Chapter 5 in EA
Fallacies of Logical Argument (logos)
HASTY GENERALIZATION: inference drawn from insufficient
evidence.
Example: Because my Honda broke down, all Hondas suck
Play upon stereotypes or sweeping claims of little merit

FAULTY CAUSALITY: the faulty assumption that because one event
follows another, the first causes the second.
If Suzie at a pickle and then died, the pickle CAUSED her death.
Chapter 5 in EA
BEGGING THE QUESTION: cant accept a claim because we have to
question the grounds of claim are unstable.
Claim: You cant give me a C in this course
Reason: Because Im an A student
Grounds of what constitutes a C are now in question, because A student (who probably
did C work cant get a C.). Should grounds be in question? No grounds are established by
teacher with rubrics and curriculum not be student.

EQUIVOCATION: half truths, that make a lie look honest.
Example: alternative set of procedures to describe torture in Guantanamo Bay.
Chapter 5 in EA
NON SEQUITUR: just doesnt connect logically.
Example: ad that implies if you really loved youre child, youd buy them a new bicycle
False logic = buying bicycles for children is essential for loving them.

STRAW MAN: attack (or present) an argument that really isnt there.

RED HERRING: changes the subject abruptly to something unrelated.

FAULTY ANALOGY: illogical comparison

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen