Recognizing Faulty Logic
AHSGE Reading Objective
III-1
Logical Arguments
• When reading a piece of persuasive
writing, it is important for you to be able
to evaluate the strength and validity of
the argument.
• In a strong argument, the writer
supports his/her position with solid
evidence and sound reasoning.
Logical Arguments
• To strengthen his/he argument, an
author may use the following :
*Personal or expert testimonies
*Statistics and facts
*Positive aspects or benefits
*Examples
• A writer may also counter (or answer)
important objections to his/her view
point.
Weak Arguments
A weak argument lacks sufficient
evidence to support the writer’s
position and may also contain
faulty logic or reasoning.
What is “faulty logic”?
FAULTY LOGIC means that there is
an error in reasoning; the writer is
giving false ideas.
Example: Michael Jordon is tall.
He was a basketball player.
Therefore, all tall people must play
basketball.
There are several types
of faulty logic that
writers often use,
such as…
1. Circular Reasoning
• Circular reasoning is trying to prove a
point by simply restating the same
argument but using different words.
• Example: All sixteen-year-old students
need a car because they want a car.
They want a car because they are
sixteen and can drive.
2. Either/or fallacy
• “Either/or” fallacy is stating
there is only one solution when
in reality there is more than one.
• Example: If I do not get a new
computer, I will be unable to do
my homework.
3. Cause and Effect Fallacy
• Cause and effect fallacy occurs
when one argues that because
one event followed another, the
first event caused the second.
• Example: Kim’s mom bought
her a new computer, and she
made the President’s List.
4. Overgeneralization
• Overgeneralization is making a
statement that is too broad to
prove. *Beware of words like
always, all, everyone, never,
none, or no one.
• Example: Everyone loves the
movie New Moon.
Read the following passage.
It is amazing how many people do not
want a new civic center for Dothan. We
need one badly. Dothan’s civic center is
old. If we had a new civic center, more
popular acts would come to Dothan.
When Columbus, Georgia, built a new
civic center, it attracted huge names in
entertainment and helped its economy.
A new civic center is the only way to help
Dothan’s economy.
Answer the following question:
1. Which of the following ideas from the
editorial is NOT an example of faulty
logic.
A. We need one badly.
B. Dothan’s civic center is old.
C. It is the only thing that will help
Dothan’s economy.
D. A new civic center would attract
more
popular acts.
Also on the AHSGE…
• The exam may also ask you to analyze
the author’s viewpoint, purpose, or
persuasive techniques.
• For example:
– Which statement best states the author’s
viewpoint on…
– The author’s main purpose in this article is
to…
– What method does the author use to
convince the reader of his viewpoint?
Now, you try!