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How Do We Identify Illogical Arguments?

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I need help with answering the following questions. Preferably 2-3 pages worth of information to pull from.

In philosophy, a logical error is called a logical fallacy. There are many logical fallacies to watch out for when making or evaluating a philosophical argument.

Demonstrate your understanding of each of the following logical fallacies by using your own words to provide a definition of the term and an argument of 2-3 sentences:
1. Mere assertion
2. Circular reasoning
3. Ad hominem
4. Red herring
5. Pseudo-questions
6. False cause
7. Sweeping generalizations
8. Slippery slope
9. Equivocation or changing meanings

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Solution Summary

The solution provides information, assistance and advise in tackling the task (see above) on the topic of illogical arguments and fallacies. All the listed fallacies are defined and exemplified in an attached table. Resources are listed for further exploration of the topic.

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Dear Student,
Hi there and thank you for using Brainmass. In this particular task you are being asked to provide a definition as well as an example for these logical fallacies. Having provided advice to a number of students before with similar tasks, I have determined that the best way for myself to provide you with the overview you need about each of these fallacies and what they all mean is to provide you with a table. As such, I suggest using this simple outline to guide you with this task:

1. Definition of Fallacies - 150 words
2. Table that includes each, with a definition and an example - 300 words or more

This simple outline should cover that and make your answer straight to the point. Just let me know if you need further clarification. You can also use the listed resources here to further explore the fallacies. All the best with your ...

Solution provided by:
Xenia Rochelle Jones, MA, PhD (IP)
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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