Topic 7
Logical fallacies
Learning targets:
-to consider the most widespread logical fallacies:
Ad Hominem
Strawman Argument
Appeal to Ignorance
False Dilemma
Slippery Slope Fallacy
Circular Argument
Hasty Generalization
Red Herring Fallacy
Tu Quoque
Causal Fallacy
Fallacy of Sunk Costs
Appeal to Authority
Equivocation
Appeal to Pity
Bandwagon Fallacy
Useful links:
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Task 7
Recall at least three instances from your own experience where
you encountered logical fallacies. Describe the situations,
analyze them, and identify the type of logical fallacy present in
each case.
[Link] a family discussion about language learning, I explained the importance
of studying multiple languages to broaden my opportunities and understanding of
different cultures. However, one family member responded by saying, "It’s
pointless to study German; nobody in our town speaks it."
This response dismisses the broader advantages of learning German by focusing
only on the immediate, local context. It assumes that if no one nearby uses the
language, then learning it has no value, completely ignoring benefits such as access
to global communication, career prospects, and personal enrichment. This type of
reasoning presents only two options: either the language is immediately useful in
my town, or it is useless—leaving no room for any other possibilities.
Because it falsely limits the options and oversimplifies the situation, this is a clear
example of a False Dilemma fallacy.
2. While sharing my lesson plan on a language teaching channel, I advocated for
interactive worksheets from platforms like Liveworksheets to practice grammar. A
commenter replied, "You're just promoting those because you're too lazy to create
original materials yourself."
This response doesn't address the effectiveness of interactive tools or compare
them to traditional methods; instead, it impugns my motives and work ethic to
discredit my suggestion. It sidesteps any discussion of student engagement or
learning outcomes.
Because it attacks my character rather than the merits of the idea, this is a clear
example of an Ad Hominem fallacy.
3. I assigned a homework task using TikTok videos to analyze English grammar in
real-life contexts, like casual vlogs. One student complained, "This is pointless
because my parents say TikTok is just for dancing, not learning."
This relies on parental opinion as unquestionable proof without evaluating the
videos' actual educational value or examples of grammar in spoken English. It
assumes authority from non-experts overrides evidence-based teaching methods.
Because it treats an unreliable source as definitive evidence, this is a clear example
of an Appeal to Authority fallacy.