1.4 The Effects of Fallacious Thinking
Writing Focus
In the course of the next twelve weeks, your writing instructor will guide you through the processes of identifying problems and articulating the main issue or challenge for each specific case at issue. You will analyze each context provided by considering factors such as identifying the stakeholders, the resources affected or available, and the limitations that should be taken into account. You will also propose solutions by brainstorming potential solutions, evaluating their feasibility, as well as the consequences of their hypothetical adoption. You will explore ways to defend your decisions by using the Prompt Response Template to write a solution for a given problem in the class. Your instructor will choose which “Event” you will analyze, document and write about.
Recent Historical Events That Were Influenced by Each of the Fallacies We Have Introduced
1. Hasty Generalization
Event: Early reactions to COVID-19 (2020)
Analysis: Some people all over the world initially dismissed COVID-19 as “just another flu” based on limited early cases.
This led to delayed responses in some regions of the world.
2. Post Hoc (False Cause)
Event: The 5G Conspiracy Theory (2020)
Analysis: Some people falsely claimed that the rollout of 5G technology caused COVID-19 simply because the two events happened around the same time.
3. Red Herring
Event: Political debates on climate change
Analysis: When discussing climate policies, some politicians shift the conversation to economic concerns or personal attacks rather than addressing the facts from a scientific point of view.
4. Bandwagon Appeal
Event: The GameStop Stock Surge (2021)
Analysis: Many investors joined the GameStop stock-buying frenzy simply because others were doing it, without fully understanding the risks.
5. Straw Man
Event: Current debates over Universal Healthcare
Analysis: Some political opponents misrepresent universal healthcare as “government control over all medical decisions,” rather than engaging with the actual details of policy.
6. Ad Hominem
Event: The U.S. Presidential Elections (2020, 2024)
Analysis: During the election debates, candidates often attacked each other personally rather than focusing on policy discussions.
7. Either/Or (False Dilemma)
Event: The Brexit Debate (2016-2020)
Analysis: Some arguments framed Brexit as either “total independence” or “complete loss of sovereignty,” ignoring the several trade and diplomatic options that were available. The Brexit debate remains a complex and evolving issue, with ongoing discussions about its impact on the UK and its relationship with the European Union. Here are some key elements of analysis:
Brexit has significantly affected trade, investment, and economic growth in the UK. Many businesses have faced increased costs due to new trade barriers, while some industries, such as finance, have seen job losses and relocations to Europe. Additionally, Brexit has exposed vulnerabilities in the UK’s food system, leading to concerns about food security and trade imbalances.
8. Appeal to Authority
Event: On Media Ad Campaigns, Celebrities endorse health products
Analysis: Some celebrities have promoted unproven health treatments, leading people to trust them based on fame rather than proven scientific expertise.
9. Appeal to Pity
Event: Immigration policy debates in several countries with heavy migration movements.
Analysis: Some arguments are focused solely on emotional stories rather than discussing broader policy implications.
10. Appeal to Force
Event: The Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022)
Analysis: Russia justified its actions by claiming that Ukraine posed a threat, using military force rather than diplomatic reasoning.
11. Begging the Question
Event: Arguments against renewable energy
Analysis: Some critics claim, “Solar power is unreliable because it doesn’t work all the time,” assuming the very point they need to prove.
12. Non Sequitur
Event: Social media misinformation
Analysis: Some viral posts claim, “If you don’t support this movement for truth, you must hate freedom,” making an illogical leap.
13. False Analogy
Event: Comparisons between COVID-19 restrictions and dictatorship
Analysis: Some argued that mask mandates were the equivalent to authoritarian rule, despite key differences in intent and impact.
14. Circular Argument
Event: Political rhetoric surrounding election integrity debates in North America in 2025. Claim: “This election was rigged because it was unfair.” Justification: “It was unfair because it was rigged.”
Analysis: This kind of reasoning is problematic because it prevents meaningful debate or investigation. Without external evidence or logical progression, the argument becomes unfalsifiable—any challenge to it is dismissed as part of the supposed unfairness, reinforcing the original claim without scrutiny. Circular reasoning like this is especially dangerous in political contexts because it can undermine public trust in democratic institutions, Polarize discourse, making compromise or consensus more difficult, and obscure facts, making it harder for the public to discern truth from rhetoric.
As you conclude this Section, dear Writer, I hope you acknowledge that each of these examples stresses how flawed reasoning can shape public debate. This affects your life and the lives of those around you. Please feel free to research deeper into each question and find useful supporting information to back any argument that you may want to add.
