Identify and define four of the eight common fallacies and give examples of each. (Examples may vary.)

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Student answers should include four of the following fallacies listed below.

• Non sequitur: not connecting an argument's conclusion to the premises
• Hasty generalization: drawing a general conclusion without sufficient support materials
• Faulty use of authority: using information or testimony from someone who is not a legitimate authority on the subject
• Post hoc ergo propter hoc: assuming that because one event comes after another, the first event caused the second
• Ad hominem: attacking the person instead of challenging the argument
• Appeal to tradition: assuming something is best or correct because it is traditional
• Ad populum: arguing a claim is accurate because many people believe it or do it
• Slippery slope: arguing that a small event sets off a chain reaction to disaster

Example: non sequitur—If you do not buy this for me, you do not love me.

Example: hasty generalization— Two of my friends bought that album and hated it. That band is horrible.

Example: faulty use of authority—My roommate agrees that the tuition increase is too high.

Example: post hoc ergo propter hoc—Last month, the city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public places. The ordinance caused two pubs to go bankrupt.

Example: ad hominem—Who are you to question my decision? You didn't finish school.

Example: appeal to tradition—My grandfather bought a Ford, my father bought a Ford, so a Ford must be best.

Example: ad populum—Most people in St. Louis voted for candidate A; the state of Missouri must be for candidate A.

Example: slippery slope—If you drop out of school, you will take drugs, become an alcoholic, and end up in jail.