1.
Don't believe what Kim says about global warming. Kim dropped out of college!
Correct Answer
B. Ad hominem
Explanation
This is an ad hominem attack because it attacks the person (Kim) making the argument rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself. The fact that Kim dropped out of college is unrelated to the topic of global warming, and using this information to discredit Kim's opinion is a form of ad hominem fallacy.
2.
You didn't remember to take out the trash this morning. It will pile up, and the neighbors will complain, and the health inspectors will come and take away the kids.
Correct Answer
C. Slippery slope
Explanation
This is a slippery slope argument because it suggests that a relatively minor event (not taking out the trash) will lead to a series of increasingly dire consequences (neighbors complaining, health inspectors taking away the kids) without providing strong evidence for such a progression. The argument implies that a small action will lead to a chain of events with severe outcomes.
3.
If you can't prove that Ken had an affair with the nanny, then he's been faithful to his wife.
Correct Answer
A. False dichotomy
Explanation
The statement "If you can't prove that Ken had an affair with the nanny, then he's been faithful to his wife" is an example of False Dichotomy. It presents a situation as if there are only two options (Ken having an affair or being faithful), neglecting the possibility of other scenarios or explanations.
4.
We should move to the midwest because the Wall Street Journal says the cost of living is cheaper there.
Correct Answer
B. Appeal to authority
Explanation
Appeal to Authority is when you try to make your point by attaching it to someone whose opinions or knowledge are respected, instead of arguing it on its own merits. An appeal to tradition is similar, except instead of authority, you rely on what's familiar and comfortable.
5.
Being overweight leads to a shortened lifespan because it's unhealthy.
Correct Answer
C. Begging the question
Explanation
Begging the question is also known as a circular argument. It means you try to back up your point, but what you say to back it up also needs some kind of explanation or justification.
6.
Animal rights activists believe that we shouldn't keep animals captive and make them do our will. They would have you abandon your pets in the wilderness.
Correct Answer
C. Straw man
Explanation
This is a straw man argument because it misrepresents the position of animal rights activists. The argument creates a distorted version of their stance, suggesting that they advocate for abandoning pets in the wilderness, which may not be a representative or accurate portrayal of their views. The actual position of animal rights activists may involve advocating for ethical treatment of animals, but the statement exaggerates their position to make it easier to criticize.
7.
Millions of people drink Diet Coke every year, so it must be the best soft drink in the world.
Correct Answer
B. The Bandwagon
Explanation
This fallacy works on the basis that something is correct, good, right or the way you want it to turn just because a majority of people thinks the same. The majority of people agreeing with each other doesn't mean it's right or correct, the reality could be totally opposite.
8.
Which of the following is an example of the "Ad Hominem" fallacy?
Correct Answer
B. "People who support renewable energy are just tree-hugging environmentalists."
Explanation
The Ad Hominem fallacy is when someone attacks the character, motives, or attributes of a person making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself. In option B, the argument against renewable energy is not based on its merits or drawbacks but instead attacks the character of those who support it, making it an example of the Ad Hominem fallacy.
9.
Person A: - "Paul is a talented teacher. His fees should be increased."
Person B: - "So what you are saying is others are not talented teachers."
Correct Answer
A. Straw man
Explanation
The given answer, "Straw man," is correct. This term refers to the fallacy of misrepresenting someone's argument in order to make it easier to attack or refute. In this conversation, Person B is presenting a straw man argument by falsely interpreting Person A's statement as implying that other teachers are not talented. Person A never made this claim, but Person B is using this misrepresentation to weaken Person A's argument.
10.
Everyone in the office loves me because they never said otherwise.
Correct Answer
C. The burden of proof fallacy
Explanation
The burden of proof fallacy is the most appropriate explanation for the given statement. The statement suggests that everyone in the office loves the person making the statement, but the only evidence provided is that no one has said otherwise. This is a fallacy because it assumes that the burden of proof lies on others to prove that they do not love the person, rather than on the person making the claim to provide evidence for their assertion.