Applications Leading
to Understanding
1
Reasoning Fallacies
Circular Reasoning

Non sequitur - Any
conclusion that does
not follow from the
reasons that have been
cited.
“The Bible is the word of
God. Why do you believe
that? Because the Bible
told me so.”

“This product is
environmentally safe, it
was tested on hair stylists,
not animals.”
2
Using the Toulmin Model



Credibility Warrant - Because this expert
or person is trustworthy or has expertise, we
must believe x, y, or z.
Sign - These factors are usually signs of x,
y, or z.
Generalization - These four cases or
examples indicate a general trend that x, y,
or z.
3
Using the Toulmin Model
(cont.)


Motivational - Since we value “x”, we
must believe or adopt “y”
Parallel Case - Since these cases or
situations are so similar, we must conclude
x, y, or z.
4