In this chapter, you have learned how to identify a handful of the many possible ways in which an argument can go wrong. The examples you have encountered are highly stylized to facilitate your ability to recognize these six common mistakes in reasoning. The truth is, however, that when reasoning goes awry, there are often many mistakes that occur simultaneously and differentiating them may be very difficult or impossible. But even when it is clear what the mistake is, even when you are able to identify an argument as committing one of the fallacies you have learned, what is your next step? While you may be tempted to declare victory over your interlocutor and move on with your day, we believe that there is more work to be done. If you are able to identify a fallacy in another person’s argument, it is likely that the argument’s author will revise his or her argument by offering reasons that do not commit that fallacy. After all, he or she believes the argument’s conclusion and wants to convince you that you should, too. In that case, you will need to return to your argument analysis and evaluation skills to respond to the revised argument. Another possibility is that you could provide assistance in repairing the fallacious argument. This strategy is particularly useful in cases in which you agree with the conclusion, but for different (and hopefully better!) reasons. Knowing how the fallacious argument has failed provides you with a starting point for revising it.
1-How might you revise Veronica’s argument to avoid fallacious reasoning? Compare your revised argument to those of your peers.