Recognizing Valid and lnvalid Arguments
辨别哪些是有根据的论断，哪些是没根据的论断
When authors u logical reasoning in their passages, they are said to contain valid arguments. The arguments are bad upon facts and accurate details. Converly, when authors u illogical reasoning in their passages, they are said to contain invalid arguments. Invalid arguments are bad on some type of faulty reasoning, called fallacies.
Recognizing Valid and lnvalid Arguments
Fallacies that Rely on Irrelevant Issues
and/or Emotional Appeals
1. Ad Hominem (argument to the person)
2. Ad Populum (argument to the people)
3. Bandwagon Appeal
4. Red Herring
1. Ad Hominem (argument to the person)
Authors u ad hominem when they shift the focus of an argument away from the issues and towards the authors' opponent. Ad hominem arguments often contain personal commentary and personal attacks.
Example: It is obvious that Merle has no business rving as a member of the child welfare committee. He cannot even maintain his own houhold--his wife just left him.
2. Ad Populum (argument to the people)
The ad populum fallacy occurs when authors evade the issues and appeal to the emotions of the people-the reader in this ca. The authors' appeal is made to allegiances and beliefs that people hold dear.
Example: If you are a real American you will exerci your right to vote.
3. Bandwagon Appeal
The bandwagon appeal appears when authors suggest that everyone agrees with it, does it, or believes it. Rather than provide solid reasons to support claims, the author merely suggests that since everyone el is in agreement it is valid support-BUT IT IS NOT!
Example: I'm going to get that new CD recorder becau everyone I know has it.
4. Red Herring
Authors sometime introduce irrelevant issues to distract the reader's attention away from the real issues. This is the red herring fallacy. You can easily remember the "red herring" fallacy if you remember how the term originated. During foxhunts, rvants would drag a smoked herring fish across the trail of the foxes. The fish scent would divert the hunting dogs attention away from the foxes and lengthened the "thrill of the cha" for the hunters. Likewi, when authors u red herring fallacy, they divert your attention away from the real issues.
Example: It is wasteful to enact laws against drunk drivers when so many murders are walking our streets.
