Derek Heimbach

Due: 6/27/13
Comm110, Sec. 201
Common Informal Fallacies
The chapter we have been assigned lays out basic guidelines for what is
known as a fallacy. A fallacy is an illegitimate move in an argument, whether it be
on purpose or done inadvertently. A formal fallacy is a form of reasoning which is
argued correctly, however, is illegitimate on the forefront of logic. An Informal
fallacy, on the other hand, is perfectly logical, although is an illegitimate move in
argument. There are ten common argument fallacies depicted in the chapter, each of
which can be adequately responded to by simply pointing out to the person of
opposition what is wrong with whichever fallacy they happen to use. A number of
the general public today gives up on their beliefs entirely too soon just because an
athlete, actress, or political figure publicly announces that they do not share that
belief. Too many times people are giving into the argument given by these widely
known figures, who are not even giving an argument or being persuasive to begin
with, but just simply stating what the believe. On the other hand, there are those
who have beliefs that may be too firm in the sense that even when they can be
proven wrong, they still believe they are right. The two extremes are too common.
These common fallacies are being pointed out to help us understand that there are
those who will go to any degree to convince others that they are correct. A well-
constructed argument is not one that ends with the audience being one hundred
percent convinced of the topic, but one that leaves the audience thinking about, and
compromising their beliefs with the newfound evidence that the speaker has
portrayed in the delivery of his argument. There is a correct and an incorrect way of
going about debate and argument, it is a good idea to set forth these sort of
guidelines to help us point out when were attacked with these fallacies, and for us
to be able to spot them when others are the victim. They also allow us to better
process the information we are given and better perceive whomever is delivering
the information. Argument is a positive aspect of life, argument shows that we are
all diverse human beings and that we are unique and lively people who do not
entirely conform to one set of principles, standards, and beliefs. Argument keeps the
world turning in a sense and allows people to see all sides of any given topic, no
matter which side they decide to stand by and believe in. Critical Thinking:
Constructing Differences lays out a vague basis for critical thinking and perceiving
the world. The first step is to identify any assumptions you may have and then to
determine whether they are fairly accurate or inaccurate. Second, you must be
aware of the time and place in your culture, this involves knowing what the general
population believes in generally acceptable and unacceptable. Third is finding
alternative ways of thinking, this can be compared to a democracy, or majority rule,
whatever the majority people is best, goes. So in order to accomplish this, we must
identify what the general population assumes in order to understand why the
general population acts and behaves the way it does. Fourth is to develop reflective
analysis. This means to become skeptical, not in a way that you do not believe
anything, but in a way that you thoroughly examine the information and determine
whether it is true or false. Critical thinking allows us to become more socially
adapted and accepting of people who are different from us. We become more
sophisticated than a person who simply rejects or denies a belief without exploring
the benefits and not wholly understandng the topic.