Purchase Solution

Rules of inference and two common fallacies

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

What are the two formal fallacies?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution is comprised of an explanation of two basic rules of inference (modus ponens, and modus tollens) and their attendant fallacies. The concept of formal validity is also briefly discussed.

Solution Preview

You asked: what are the two formal fallacies?

I wouldn't want to say that there are only two formal fallacies; are you are referring to the most common formal fallacies?

But perhaps this will help:

(I've written quite a bit in explanation. You might consider going straight to section 5 if you're in a rush.)

1.

A fallacy, as you know, is a defect in an argument other than the falsity of the premises. (For example, the following argument does not contain a fallacy although it does not provide good reason for believing its conclusion.

All whales are mammals.
All mammals are blue.
Therefore, all whales are blue.

Notice that the argument is valid but the second premise is false.)

2.

Fallacies can be divided into two groups: (1) formal and (2) informal fallacies.

A formal fallacy is basically a structural defect in an argument that is intended ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The World Health Organization

This quiz assesses the students knowledge about the World Health Organization. Although listed under “Philosophy” it is relevant to health care, political science, pre-med, and social scientist students as well.

Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy

Short quiz relating to Descartes

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • How Do We Identify Illogical Arguments?

    Argumentation Theory studies the rules of inference, logic, dialogue & procedural rules in contrived & real-life settings to reach conclusions through logical reasoning based on premises - statements taken as truth being self-evident.

  • Fallacies and Examples in a Business Environment

    • Fallacies of weak inference are those that have weak evidence of conclusion. • Fallacies of distraction rely on irrelevant evidence, like emotion. • Fallacies of ambiguity are vague in definition.

  • Fallacious Arguments: An Analysis plus Samples

    Argumentation Theory studies the rules of inference, logic, dialogue & procedural rules in contrived & real-life settings to reach conclusions through logical reasoning based on premises - statements taken as truth being self-evident.

  • Race and Ethnicity: Fallacies and Consequences

    There was a huge amount of mutual respect between these two guys and it might have changed Brown's mind on certain racial topics. The race and ethnicity for fallacies and consequences are examined.

  • Assumptions, Critical Thinking and Logic

    One's understanding of fallacies may be used for good ? in order to avoid or expose error; or it may be used for evil - in order to subtly deceive. Two examples of formal fallacies are as following: 1. True and Valid: All men are mortal.

  • Fallacies: Examples in Mainstream Media

    Argumentation Theory studies the rules of inference, logic, dialogue & procedural rules in contrived & real-life settings to reach conclusions through logical reasoning based on premises - statements taken as truth being self-evident.

  • Common Fallacies: Faulty Evidence

    602356 Common Fallacies: Faulty Evidence Select two reliable source news articles that illustrate at least two of the "Common Fallacies: Faulty Evidence" and two reliable source news articles that illustrate at least two of "Common Fallacies: Faulty Reasoning

  • Critical Thinking, Logical Argument and Fallacies

    What is the meaning of validity, truth, and soundness as they relate to the area of logical syllogisms? 4. What are the two formal fallacies? Hi, Let's take a closer look by discussion, definition and example. RESPONSE: 1.

  • Machine Independence Programming

    predicates and rules of inference

View More Related Solutions