One of my little hobbies is attempting to hold to sound logic when I make arguments. Not that I am very good at it. And one of the very best ways to learn how to argue, is to learn from the mistakes of others. It also helps you wad through much of the BS people throw at you (again, I'm not very good at it).

You can read more about fallacies here:

http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/fallacies.html

Of course wikipedia has some information as well as just googling "fallacy(ies) of logic".

So, post the fallacies you see at GRS here. Not to embarrass the person (so leave their name out), but so we can all learn. Leave the arguments of the topic at hand within the appropriate thread. We're not here to make your point (or listen to you make your point), that belongs in the thread where the statement(s) originated. We are here to learn from your logical error (or a great display of logic!).

Please no bashing of people (as that would be an ad hominem) and please don't come in here and claim your fallacy if it is pointed out. Merely learn how you can improve.

I'm actually quite familiar with the Fallacies of Logic. I got my Bachelor's Degree in Communications.

I do prefer this version of the Fallacies. Much simpler layout and easier for the layman.

I'll start this party off...



1) I believe this argument is trying to discredit the person they are arguing against by accusing them of an ad hominem, which ironically is an ad hominem attack itself.

2) I also believe this argument is an Argumentum ad misericordiam. In which, they are attempting to appeal to pity based on the gender. One's gender has no bearing on whether their opinion on the matter at hand (at least in what was being argued). They are simply trying to create pity for themselves based on their gender to prop up their argument.

Why wouldn't we simply point out the fallacies in the thread where they occur? Wouldn't it be more effective to point out a bad or false argument during the course of a conversation?

Honestly, I said it less because of making a sound argument and more because I am still furious over his dismissal of my arguments as "women think thus" in the other thread. I jumped on a chance to call out his sexism. There wasn't much logic involved

Don't let it bother you Kaitlyn, I don't think he is as smart as you.

Heh, thanks. It may be weird, but you can insult my looks, my religion, my hobbies, whatever. The only thing that will really get to me is to dismiss me based on gender. One too many people asking why I'm a scientist and not a mother/teacher/nurse I think.

X- Gender bias. HA!!HA!!

I haven't been involved in these threads except reading them during my boring science-filled days, but they are very entertaining.

Peachy, I didn't realize you were a scientist! How did I miss that? What do you do?

I'm an enginerd and going back to school for my MBA. My work pays for it, so I'm not a part of the loans conversations, thank goodness. My piddly loans were paid for a long time ago.

Straw Man

Argument to logic