Ad Hominem
Bill: "I believe that abortion is morally wrong."
Dave: "Of course you would say that, you're a priest."
Bill: "What about the arguments I gave to support my position?"
Dave: "Those don't count. Like I said, you're a priest, so you have to say that aborti
Ad Hominem Tu Quoque
Bill: "Smoking is very unhealthy and leads to all sorts of problems. So take my advice and never start."
Jill: "Well, I certainly don't want to get cancer."
Bill: "I'm going to get a smoke. Want to join me Dave?"
Jill: "Well, I guess smoking can't be that
Ad Hominem Tu Quoque
Jill: "I think the gun control bill shouldn't be supported because it won't be effective and will waste money."
Bill: "Well, just last month you supported the bill. So I guess you're wrong now.
Ad Hominem Tu Quoque
Peter: "Based on the arguments I have presented, it is evident that it is morally wrong to use animals for food or clothing."
Bill: "But you are wearing a leather jacket and you have a roast beef sandwich in your hand! How can you say that using animals f
Appeal to Authority
Bill and Jane are arguing about the morality of abortion:
Bill: "I believe that abortion is morally acceptable. After all, a woman should have a right to her own body."
Jane: "I disagree completely. Dr. Johan Skarn says that abortion is always morally wro
Appeal to Authority
Dave and Kintaro are arguing about Stalin's reign in the Soviet Union. Dave has been arguing that Stalin was a great leader while Kintaro disagrees with him.
Kintaro: "I don't see how you can consider Stalin to be a great leader. He killed millions of his
Appeal to Authority
I'm not a doctor, but I play one on the hit series "Bimbos and Studmuffins in the OR." You can take it from me that when you need a fast acting, effective and safe pain killer there is nothing better than MorphiDope 2000. That is my considered medical opi
Appeal to Authority
Siphwe and Sasha are having a conversation:
Sasha: "I played the lottery today and I know I am going to win something."
Siphwe: "What did you do, rig the outcome?"
Sasha: "No, silly. I called my Super Psychic Buddy at the 1-900-MindPower number. After con
Appeal to Belief
At one time, most people in Europe believed that the earth was the center of the solar system (at least most of those who had beliefs about such things). However, this belief turned out to be false.
Appeal to Belief
God must exist. After all, I just saw a poll that says 85% of all Americans believe in God.
Appeal to Belief
Of course there is nothing wrong with drinking. Ask anyone, he'll tell you that he thinks drinking is just fine.
Appeal to Common Practice
Director Jones is in charge of running a state waste management program. When it is found that the program is rife with corruption, Jones says "This program has its problems, but nothing goes on in this program that doesn't go on in all state programs.
Appeal to Common Practice
Yeah, I know some people say that cheating on tests is wrong. But we all know that everyone does it, so it's okay.
Appeal to Common Practice
Sure, some people buy into that equality crap. However, we know that everyone pays women less then men. It's okay, too. Since everyone does it, it can't really be wrong.
Appeal to Common Practice
There is nothing wrong with requiring multicultural classes, even at the expense of core subjects. After all, all of the universities and colleges are pushing multiculturalism.
Appeal to Consequences of a Belief
God must exist! If God did not exist, then all basis for morality would be lost and the world would be a horrible place!
Appeal to Consequences of a Belief
It can never happen to me. If I believed it could, I could never sleep soundly at night.
Appeal to Consequences of a Belief
It can never happen to me. If I believed it could, I could never sleep soundly at night.
Appeal to Consequences of a Belief
I acknowledge that I have no argument for the existence of God. However, I have a great desire for God to exist and for there to be an afterlife. Therefore I accept that God exists.
Appeal to Emotion
The new PowerTangerine computer gives you the power you need. If you buy one, people will envy your power. They will look up to you and wish they were just like you. You will know the true joy of power. TangerinePower.
Appeal to Emotion
The new UltraSkinny diet will make you feel great. No longer be troubled by your weight. Enjoy the admiring stares of the opposite sex. Revel in your new freedom from fat. You will know true happiness if you try our diet!
Appeal to Emotion
Bill goes to hear a politician speak. The politician tells the crowd about the evils of the government and the need to throw out the peoople who are currently in office. After hearing the speach, Bill is full of hatred for the current politicians. Because
Appeal to Fear
You know, Professor Smith, I really need to get an A in this class. I'd like to stop by during your office hours later to discuss my grade. I'll be in your building anyways, visiting my father. He's your dean, by the way. I'll see you later.
Appeal to Fear
I don't think a Red Ryder BB rifle would make a good present for you. They are very dangerous and you'll put your eye out. Now, don't you agree that you should think of another gift idea?
Appeal to Fear
You must believe that God exists. After all, if you do not accept the existence of God, then you will face the horrors of hell.
Appeal to Fear
You shouldn't say such things against multiculturalism! If the chair heard what you were saying, you would never receive tenure. So, you had just better learn to accept that it is simply wrong to speak out against it.
Appeal to Flattery
Might I say that this is the best philosophy class I've ever taken. By the way, about those two points I need to get an A...
Appeal to Flattery
That was a wonderful joke about AIDS boss, and I agree with you that the damn liberals are wrecking the country. Now about my raise...
Appeal to Flattery
That was a singularly brilliant idea. I have never seen such a clear and eloquent defense of Plato's position. If you do not mind, I'll base my paper on it. Provided that you allow me a little extra time past the deadline to work on it.
Appeal to Novelty
A made up advertisement.
The Sadisike 900 pump-up glow shoe. It's better because it's new.
Appeal to Novelty
Two business people are having a discussion.
James: "So, what is this new plan?"
Biff: "Well, the latest thing in marketing techniques is the GK method. It is the latest thing out of the think tank. It is so new that the ink on the reports is still drying
Appeal to Novelty
A professor is lecturing to his class.
Prof: "So you can see that a new and better morality is sweeping the nation. No longer are people with alternative lifestyles ashamed. No longer are people caught up in the outmoded moralities of the past."
Student:
Appeal to Pity
Jill: "He'd be a terrible coach for the team."
Bill: "He had his heart set on the job, and it would break if he didn't get it."
Jill: "I guess he'll do an adequate job.
Appeal to Pity
I'm positive that my work will meet your requirements. I really need the job since my grandmother is sick
Appeal to Pity
I should receive an 'A' in this class. After all, if I don't get an 'A' I won't get the fellowship that I want.
Appeal to Popularity (Ad Populum)
My fellow Americans...there has been some talk that the government is overstepping its bounds by allowing police to enter peoples' homes without the warrants traditionally required by the Constitution. However, these are dangerous times and dangerous tim
Appeal to Popularity (Ad Populum)
I read the other day that most people really like the new gun control laws. I was sort of suspicious of them, but I guess if most people like them, then they must be okay.
Appeal to Popularity (Ad Populum)
Jill and Jane have some concerns that the rules their sorority has set are racist in character. Since Jill is a decent person, she brings her concerns up in the next meeting. The president of the sorority assures her that there is nothing wrong with the r
Appeal to Ridicule
Sure my worthy opponent claims that we should lower tuition, but that is just laughable.
Appeal to Ridicule
Support the ERA? Sure, when the women start paying for the drinks! Hah! Hah!
Appeal to Ridicule
Those wacky conservatives! They think a strong military is the key to peace!
Appeal to Spite
Bill: "I think that Jane did a great job this year. I'm going to nominate her for the award."
Dave: "Have you forgotten last year? Remember that she didn't nominate you last year."
Bill: "You're right. I'm not going to nominate her.
Appeal to Spite
Jill: "I think Jane's idea is a really good one and will really save a lot of money for the department."
Bill: "Maybe. Remember how she showed that your paper had a fatal flaw when you read it at the convention last year..."
Jill:"I had just about forgott
Appeal to Tradition
Sure I believe in God. People have believed in God for thousands of years so it seems clear that God must exist. After all, why else would the belief last so long?
Appeal to Tradition
Gunthar is the father of Connan. They live on a small island and in their culture women are treated as property to be exchanged at will by men.
Connan: "You know father, when I was going to school in the United States I saw that American women are not tre
Appeal to Tradition
Of course this mode of government is the best. We have had this government for over 200 years and no one has talked about changing it in all that time. So, it has got to be good.
Appeal to Tradition
A reporter is interviewing the head of a family that has been involved with a feud with another family.
Reporter: "Mr. Hatfield, why are you still fighting it out with the Mcoys?"
Hatfield: "Well you see young man, my father feuded with the Mcoys and his
Bandwagon
Bill says that he likes the idea that people should work for their welfare when they can. His friends laugh at him, accuse him of fascist leanings, and threaten to ostracize him from their group. He decides to recant and abandon his position to avoid reje
Bandwagon
Bill: "I like classical music and I think it is of higher quality than most modern music."
Jill: "That stuff is for old people."
Dave: "Yeah, only real woosies listen to that crap. Besides, Anthrax rules! It Rules!"
Bill: "Well, I don't really like it tha
Bandwagon
Bill thinks that welfare is needed in some cases. His friends in the Young Republicans taunt him every time he makes his views known. He accepts their views in order to avoid rejection.
Begging the Question
Bill: "God must exist."
Jill: "How do you know."
Bill: "Because the Bible says so."
Jill: "Why should I believe the Bible?"
Bill: "Because the Bible was written by God.
Begging the Question
If such actions were not illegal, then they would not be prohibited by the law.
Begging the Question
The belief in God is universal. After all, everyone believes in God.
Begging the Question
Interviewer: "Your resume looks impressive but I need another reference."
Bill: "Jill can give me a good reference."
Interviewer: "Good. But how do I know that Jill is trustworthy?"
Bill: "Certainly. I can vouch for her.
Biased Sample
Bill is assigned by his editor to determine what most Americans think about a new law that will place a federal tax on all modems and computers purchased. The revenues from the tax will be used to enforce new online decency laws. Bill, being technically i
Biased Sample
The United Pacifists of America decide to run a poll to determine what Americans think about guns and gun control. Jane is assigned the task of setting up the study. To save mailing costs, she includes the survey form in the group's newsletter mailing. Sh
Biased Sample
Large scale polls were taken in Florida, California, and Maine and it was found that an average of 55% of those polled spent at least fourteen days a year near the ocean. So, it can be safely concluded that 55% of all Americans spend at least fourteen day
Burden of Proof
Bill: "I think that we should invest more money in expanding the interstate system."
Jill: "I think that would be a bad idea, considering the state of the treasury."
Bill: "How can anyone be against highway improvements?
Burden of Proof
Bill: "I think that some people have psychic powers."
Jill: "What is your proof?"
Bill: "No one has been able to prove that people do not have psychic powers.
Burden of Proof
You cannot prove that God does not exist, so He does.
Circumstantial Ad Hominem
She asserts that we need more military spending, but that is false, since she is only saying it because she is a Republican.
Circumstantial Ad Hominem
I think that we should reject what Father Jones has to say about the ethical issues of abortion because he is a Catholic priest. After all, Father Jones is required to hold such views.
Circumstantial Ad Hominem
Of course the Senator from Maine opposes a reduction in naval spending. After all, Bath Ironworks, which produces warships, is in Maine.
Circumstantial Ad Hominem
Bill claims that tax breaks for corporations increases development. Of course, Bill is the CEO of a corporation.
Composition
A main battle tank uses more fuel than a car. Therefore, the main battle tanks use up more of the available fuel in the world than do all the cars.
Composition
A tiger eats more food than a human being. Therefore, tigers, as a group, eat more food than do all the humans on the earth.
Composition
Atoms are colorless. Cats are made of atoms, so cats are colorless.
Composition
Every player on the team is a superstar and a great player, so the team is a great team." This is fallacious since the superstars might not be able to play together very well and hence they could be a lousy team.
Composition
Each part of the show, from the special effects to the acting is a masterpiece. So, the whole show is a masterpiece." This is fallacious since a show could have great acting, great special effects and such, yet still fail to "come together" to make a mas
Composition
Come on, you like beef, potatoes, and green beens, so you will like this beef, potato, and green been casserole." This is fallacious for the same reason that the following is fallacious: "You like eggs, icecream, pizza, cake, fish, jello, chicken, taco s
Composition
Sodium and Chloride are both dangerous to humans. Therefore any combination of sodium and chloride will be dangerous to humans.
Confusing Cause and Effect
Bill and Joe are having a debate about music and moral decay:
Bill: "It seems clear to me that this new music is causing the youth to become corrupt."
Joe: "What do you mean?"
Bill: "This rap stuff is always telling the kids to kill cops, do drugs, and ab
Confusing Cause and Effect
It is claimed by some people that severe illness is caused by depression and anger. After all, people who are severely ill are very often depressed and angry. Thus, it follows that the cause of severe illness actually is the depression and anger. So, a go
Confusing Cause and Effect
Bill sets out several plates with bread on them. After a couple days, he notices that the bread has mold growing all over it. Bill concludes that the mold was produced by the bread going bad. When Bill tells his mother about his experiment, she tells him