Recognizing Logical Fallacies

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Presented in this exercise are arguments for various assertions about the downing of TWA Flight 800. Assess what logical fallacy, if any, each argument has. Given below are the names of common logical fallacies. The definitions can be learned by clicking on the link. ad hominem bandwagon begging the question either-or fallacy equivocation false analogy false authority false cause guilt by association non sequitur red herring slippery slope Note: In the general preferences of your browser, please do not override this document's choice of font colors.

The missile theory has expert witnesses. For example, just before Flight 800 broke into flames, private pilot Sven Faret reported that he saw "a little pin flash on the ground." In his view, that flash "looked like a rocket launch." No fallacy ad hominem equivocation false authority red herring Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page If we begin considering theories other than the one the NTSB is pursuing, the investigation will run in so many directions that we'll never solve anything. No fallacy begging the question equivocation guilt by association slippery slope Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page Mr. Kadlec believes that this downing won't be solved. "Amelia Earhart crashed," he said. "No one knows why she crashed." No fallacy ad hominem false analogy false cause slippery slope Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page The FBI is still convinced that it was a bomb that brought down the aircraft. "The public believes it was a bomb," said Agent John Hunt. "Polls taken the day after the crash indicate that more than 75% of Americans believe it was terrorist's bomb." No fallacy bandwagon either/or fallacy equivocation slippery slope Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page Now that we know explosives had been placed aboard the plane for dog-sniffing tests five weeks before the crash, the FBI's discovery of bomb traces in the cabin is a "dud." No fallacy bandwagon either/or fallacy equivocation false analogy Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page If it wasn't a missile, a bomb, or mechanical failure, then all that's left is a meteorite. No fallacy begging the question either/or fallacy false authority guilt by association Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page The missile theory has no merit. It arose from Pierre Salinger, and he's a kook. Not only is he a reporter, but he's French. No fallacy ad hominem begging the question false analogy slippery slope Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy. Top of Page One thing that people aren't considering enough is that the plane went down during an election year. Elections bring out the worst in people, a clear example being the Teapot Dome Scandal of 1920. No fallacy ad hominem either/or fallacy equivocation red herring Congratulations, you have identified the logical fallacy and reached the end of this exercise. Next Exercise Main Contents

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