Most fallacious arguments are fallacious in several ways. To reduce ambiguity, t

Question

Most fallacious arguments are fallacious in several ways. To reduce ambiguity, the arguments below are characterized in at least two ways--and so reduce the possibility of getting it wrong. (If you think the argument is a good one, it may be because you cannot think of ignored alternatives.)

5. Everything happens for a purpose. We know that to be true, since nothing happens without a purpose.

6. Some individuals living today, actually lived previous lives in past. No one has ever proved that such claims of previous lives are false. So, it must be true that some people have lived past lives.

7. If we in the US believe in equal opportunity for everyone, then we must have an educational system in which all children have good schools. In fact, the US has many schools where plumbing does not work, teachers do not show up, and school district spends less than $300 per pupil per year. So, the majority of taxpayers in the US do not really believe in equal opportunity for all.

Explanation / Answer

5. Everything happens for a purpose. We know that to be true, since nothing happens without a purpose. Appeal to ignorance fallacy and begs the question.

6. Some individuals living today, actually lived previous lives in past. No one has ever proved that such claims of previous lives are false. So, it must be true that some people have lived past lives. Appeal to ignorance fallacy and begs the question.

7. If we in the US believe in equal opportunity for everyone, then we must have an educational system in which all children have good schools. In fact, the US has many schools where plumbing does not work, teachers do not show up, and school district spends less than $300 per pupil per year. So, the majority of taxpayers in the US do not really believe in equal opportunity for all. False cause and flawed generalization.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse M
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.