Dear Subscriber,
Since I taught advanced argument and research to college students, from Caltech to Mesa Community College, then I like to do little min-dramas about how I taught. Here’s one I created after watching Trump’s CNN Town Hall:
Okay, students, here are the top ten fallacies for you to study so you never, ever, ever, violate them.
Yes, Donald, do you have a question?
Donald Trump: Yeah. You said they’re fallacies because they work in live debates. So, why not use them if they work?
Because we are civilized and honest human beings who are entrusted by our population of lesser educated folks to stay honest to protect them and our civilization’s integrity.
Donald Trump: Screw that, man. I want to win!
Okay class, here are the top ten. When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear! (my favorite teacher cliche ever)
The Top 10 Logical Fallacies
Straw Man
Begging the Question
Ad Hominem
Post Hoc
Loaded Question
False Dichotomy
Equivocation
Appeal to Authority
Hasty Generalization
Appeal to Popular Opinion
So, do research from your work, daily arguments with friends, and other “real life” sources, and bring at least one example tomorrow so we can discuss why and how they’re fallacious and inappropriate for debate.
Donald Trump: Say, can I get a list of those when we get them?
Ergo, if you don’t like fiction with political facts and real historical references, then please unsubscribe. You won’t get it from this guy. But I respect your tastes anyway!
Kind Regards,
James Musgrave