Argument Fallacies Guide

[Ryan2065]

Here is a good website that lists some common fallacies that people run into.
http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/

I haven't read every single one of these, but I do not see circular logic listed, even though it is quite common. I think I am just missing it though. Here are two examples of circular logic.

Example 1:
A is correct because B says it is correct.
How do you know B is correct?
Because A says it is correct.

Example 2:
A is correct.
How do you know A is correct?
Because A is correct.

Another common "phrase" I have seen on the forums is Strawman, which is talked about in the guide, but I'll post an example of it.
Example:
There is a presidential election coming up and there are two canidates. Canidate A is a senator and recently voted against a medicare plan because he thought the medicare plan should include more benefits for older people. Canidate B comes out and says that Canidate A is against old people because he voted against medicare (because we all know medicare is good for old people).

Any others you guys want clarity on? These are the two that I see most often and alot of times they are used in the wrong contex.

 

[jonny]

Help! Bad memories of my college logic class... Please don't make me do any proofs. I have blocked them from my mind!

 

[kreeden]

Example 1 reminds me of a highschool algebra case . We walked in and the teacher said that she was going to prove that the numbers 0 , 1 , and 2 exist . She did , using each to prove the others . Of course , if any one didn't exist , her whole arguement would be ... well , you know .

Interesting to think that science is based upon such logic eh ?

 

[Feathers in Hair]

This is a great guide, Ryan! Thanks for posting it!

I've actually been thinking of making an article about this for here on RF. (Even though I usually manage to commit several of the fallacies mentioned daily, hehee!) Would you be interested in doing the article, instead?