Chapter 1.A, Problem 43E

Additional Fallacies. Consider the blowing fallacies (which are not discussed in the text). Explain why the fallacy applies to the example and create your own argument that displays the same fallacy.

41. The fallacy of division has this form:

Premise: X has some property.

Conclusion: All things or people that belong to X must have the same property.)

Example: Americans use more gasoline than Europeans. so Jake, who is an American, must use more gasoline than Europeans.

42. The gambler's fallacy has this form:

Premise: X has been happening more than it should.

Conclusion: X will come to an end soon.

Example: It has rained for 10 days, which is unusual around here. Tomorrow will be sunny:

43. The slippery slope fallacy has this form:

Premise: X has occurred and is related to Y.

Conclusion: Y will inevitably occur.

Example: America has sent troops to three countries

recently. Before you know it, we will have

troops everywhere.

44. The middle ground fallacy has this form:

Premise: X and Y are two extreme positions on a question.

Conclusion: Z, which lies between X and Y, must be correct.

Example: Senator Peters supports a large tax cut, and Senator Willis supports no tax cut. That means a small tax cut must be best.