Logical fallacies are commonly used by people with ulterior motives…
A few years ago, I taught a course in college writing, and part of the curriculum I covered included the range of logical fallacies—faulty reasoning that undermines an argument or may even include points that really have nothing to do with the argument being made. Logical fallacies are commonly used by people with ulterior motives, but they also are often embraced by the unsuspecting public.
…convince the masses that because many other people support an idea, then it must be correct.
One of the primary fallacies is known as the bandwagon appeal. We use the phrase “jump on the bandwagon” often to imply one is getting involved in a cause or joining a group for a purpose. Unfortunately, many people utilize this strategy to convince the masses that because many other people support an idea, then it must be correct. Arguments that garner support using the bandwagon appeal are often vague and fail to provide actual supporting facts or details.
…our emotions and prejudices run deep…
Another common logical fallacy is the ad hominem, defined by Merriam-Webster as “appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect.” In more current times, this technique has grown to be more commonly known for attacking the character of a person in order to undermine his credibility or to draw attention away from the argument at hand. This strategy proves effective because our emotions and prejudices run deep, and ideas that stir them will typically get people “fired up,” so to speak.
Yet another logical fallacy is known as the red herring. This concept provides a diversion or points to a peripheral issue rather than addressing the original argument. The red herring often incorporates a touch of ad hominem by stirring the feelings of the masses in tandem with distracting from the initial claim.
Insinuate that everyone in the same line of work as the killer must also be evil…
Each one of us is responsible for his own actions. When a person kills another person, he must face the consequences of that action, regardless of any peripheral circumstances. Let’s add some fallacies to the situation. Insinuate that everyone in the same line of work as the killer must also be evil. Imply that because someone acting “nonviolently” in protest before didn’t exact change from society, then the only other option now is to act violently.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9
Let’s top off this fallacy sundae with a red herring on top. Centuries of prejudice have caused yet another eruption of hatred begetting hatred. What is the underlying problem? People are sinful—murders, lies, theft, and all other depravity are part of the human condition (Jeremiah 17:9). Should we as a society go out and commit more violence each time we learn of someone committing a sin? Let’s not forget that some people have tried to address prejudice by nonviolence, but since that didn’t fix our sinful condition and yet another atrocity has occurred, the fallacy is that the only alternative must be to loot and pillage! [the “either/or” fallacy]
…said people are not reading about logical fallacies.
Teaching children about equality falls to parents and families first, followed by schools and communities. Unfortunately, many people who fail to do so, also do not value education in any form and perpetuate a life of entitlement, greed, and self-gratification at any cost. I would posit that said people are not reading about logical fallacies. I, for one, will continue to promote, support, and advocate for education–a bandwagon I consider legitimate.
