Discussion Post: "Fallacies and Errors in Sound Reasoning"
You are learning about the many fallacies that occur in writing as well as in our conversations. The purpose of learning about fallacies is to make you aware of the use of fallacies in everyday language and writings. Also, learning and knowing about them will help you to avoid using them as much as possible.
Identify the fallacy being committed in each and indicate the rationale for your answer. Here is an example of how to respond
"Just in the last month I've heard a number of people claiming that one-use plastic bags from grocery stores are terrible for the environment. Hah! Using plastic bags is by far the easiest way to carry groceries, and the cost to the store must be insignificant."
ANSWER: Red herring because the premises are irrelevant to the conclusion.
a) We should either pay our teachers better salaries or admit that we don't care about our children's education.
b) Of course she's rich! Just look at that diamond ring she is wearing.
c) I love visiting Wyoming because I enjoy traveling in the West.
d) He went to college and came back a pothead; college corrupted him.
e) The death penalty is a warning just like a lighthouse throwing its beams out to sea. We hear about shipwrecks, but we do not hear about the ships that the lighthouse guides safely on their way. We do not have proof of the number of ships it saves, but we do not tear the lighthouse down.
f) The United States is a wealthy country; therefore, Sam Jones must be wealthy.
Every attempt to prove that people are immortal has failed. No evidence can be found which shows that people's souls exist after death; hence, immortality must be false.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.