Thinking Logically: Learning to Recognize Logical Fallacies
Arguments are presented to persuade someone of a particular view. Credible evidence is an important component of informed, persuasive arguments. When credible evidence is not available, the one presenting the argument often defaults to using other devices to sway thinking, such as logical fallacies. Logical fallacies are common errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument. Fallacies can be illegitimate arguments or irrelevant points and are often identified because they lack evidence that supports their claim.
Students need to be aware of these fallacies to present their own viewpoints and engage in open inquiry effectively. One must avoid making fallacious arguments and identify fallacious arguments presented by others to productively engage in open inquiry and constructively disagree with the perspective.
This resource outlines common logical fallacies that students may have experienced in their own interactions or those in their social networks. Towards the bottom of the resource, there is a list of additional logical fallacies that students can research and suggestions for activities that can be adapted for high school or college students.
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