Kang 1 Josh Kang Instructor: Erika Wenstrom ENGL-122-2169 24 October 2021 Response Paper 2 After learning the bulk of logical fallacies, I was not only surprised by how many there were, but how many I have experienced. I would read a definition of a fallacy and immediately associate it with arguments that I had in my life or had witnessed in shows/movies. One of my favorite shows of all time, The Office (2005), has an ongoing joke regarding the relationship between the main character Michael and the HR rep, Toby where Michael absolutely despises Toby. In one scene, Toby makes a reputable statement, arguing how they need to have the office air quality inspected due to radon coming from below and possible asbestos in the ceiling, referring to them as “silent killers.” Michael completely disregards Toby’s claim and tells him, “You are the silent killer, go back to the annex.” The fact that Michael doesn’t even acknowledge the real problem and attacks Toby directly demonstrates the Ad Hominem fallacy. The next example is one I have seen on social media and relates to almost everyone in California. In late 2020, Gavin Newsom and state and local health officials urged people to stay within their own households, wear masks, stay socially distant and limit their interaction to two hours. However recently after implementing these rules, Newsom had attended a dinner party in Napa, violating his own COVID-19 mandates. Once the news had spread that Newsom did this, many citizens of California refused to follow Newsom’s original requests, with their reasoning being since he did not follow his own rules why should they have to. This is an example of the Tu quoque fallacy, instead of addressing the serious public health issue at hand, citizens are deflecting Newsom’s arguments to social distance with criticism of his own hypocrisy. The last example is from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith when Anakin faces Obi Wan on Mustafar. Anakin says, “If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy.” This is an example of the fallacy, False Dichotomy as Anakin is only presenting two choices, when there are other alternatives.
