Identifying Logical Fallacies Questions and Answers Flashcards
7 cards from real Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Identifying Logical Fallacies Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A debater claims: 'My opponent's plan to reduce taxes is just a way to help the rich get richer.' The opponent actually proposed a targeted tax credit for low-income earners. Which fallacy is this?
Answer: Straw man
The straw man fallacy misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack.
A company's CEO says: 'Since every part of our manufacturing process is efficient, our entire factory must be the most efficient in the industry.' This commits the:
Answer: Composition fallacy
The composition fallacy incorrectly assumes that what is true of parts must be true of the whole.
A reviewer writes: 'Since this novel won a prestigious award, it must be well-written and enjoyable for all readers.' Which fallacy does this commit?
Answer: Appeal to authority
Appeal to authority incorrectly uses an expert judgment (award committee) as definitive proof for a subjective universal claim.
'Many people believe that working hard guarantees success, so it must be true.' This is an example of:
Answer: Bandwagon fallacy (argumentum ad populum)
The bandwagon fallacy treats widespread belief as evidence of truth, regardless of actual supporting evidence.
During a debate on climate policy, a senator changes the subject to argue about the country's economic growth record. This tactic is known as:
Answer: Red herring
A red herring introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original argument.
Argument: 'The Bible is true because it says so in the Bible.' This reasoning illustrates:
Answer: Circular reasoning (begging the question)
Circular reasoning (petitio principii) uses the conclusion as a premise to support itself, providing no independent evidence.
A philosophy student argues that since each page of a textbook is easy to read, the entire textbook can be read in minutes. This best illustrates the:
Answer: Composition fallacy
The composition fallacy wrongly infers that a property of individual parts (each page being quick to read) applies to the whole.