Fallacies of Relevance: Irrelevant Premise and Appeal

Each fallacy is given a definition and an example as well as a range of other names often ascribed to that fallacy based on common practice.

1. Includes: fallacies of irrelevant premise Fallacies of irrelevant appeal relevance criterion fallacies

2. 1 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example This man was once convicted of robbery, so what he says cannot be trusted. Why is this a fallacy? People change, a persons or organisations character cannot be presumed from their prior conduct or reputation. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant premise 3 – Fallacy Name: genetic fallacy 4 – Alternate Names: ‘fallacy of origin’, ‘fallacy of virtue.

3. 2 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example We didn’t win the game because we had a lot of disruptions leading up to the game. Why is this a fallacy? Logical, but weak justifications are clearly dishonest and attempting to obscure real reasons for outcomes. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant premise 3 – Fallacy Name: Rationalisation 4 – Alternate Names: ‘making excuses’

4. 3 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example The evidence just presented clearly shows that attempts to slow the crime rate have been ineffective. Why is this a fallacy? Referring to others evidence to justify your own argument is lazy and is typically inaccurate due to a lack of knowledge of the evidence being presented. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant premise 3 – Fallacy Name: Drawing the wrong conclusion 4 – Alternate Names: ‘Ignoratio Elenchi’, ‘ignorance of refutation’.

5. 4 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example These statistics on domestic violence show that show that immigration should be stopped. Why is this a fallacy? Using the wrong reasons typically happens when someone is so sure of their argument that they use inappropriate evidence or reasons to support it. It is a fallacy because the evidence or reasons are not suitable for the debate or argument being presented. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant premise 3 – Fallacy Name: using the wrong reasons

6. 5 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example I opted not to vaccinate my children because my physiotherapist suggested not to. Why is this a fallacy? Not everyone can be an authority on everything, using relevant authorities is just as important as using relevant and reliable sources of evidence. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant appeal 3 – Fallacy Name: appeal to irrelevant authority 4 – Alternate Names: ‘arguing in a circle’

7. 6 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example Everyone has been afraid of someone on the train, so we should limit immigration. Why is this a fallacy? Common opinion is difficult to gain and the discoveries of science and other various improvements in our understanding of things indicates that common opinion can often be incorrect. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant appeal 3 – Fallacy Name: appeal to common opinion 4 – Alternate Names: ‘arguing in a circle’

8. 7 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example If you let this bill pass it will me rioting on our streets, support it or I will kick you. Why is this a fallacy? It suggest events that might happen and threatens actual violence rather than presenting ideas. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant appeal 3 – Fallacy Name: appeal to force or threat 4 – Alternate Names: ‘argument to the cudgel’, ‘appeal to the stick’, ‘argumentum ad baculum’.

9. 8 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example We Australians have always been criminals, so increasing police powers is not a good idea! Why is this a fallacy? The traditional or old ways are not necessarily the best, 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant appeal 3 – Fallacy Name: appeal to tradition 4 – Alternate Names: ‘argumentum ad antiquitatem’

10. 9 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example If we passed this tax bill, everyone here in the house would have to pay a further $10,000 per year! Why is this a fallacy? An arguer should not put their own or others self interest above resolving the argument and finding the truth. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant appeal 3 – Fallacy Name: appeal to self interest 4 – Alternate Names: ‘arguing in a circle’

11. 10 1 – Category: relevance criterion Example Imagine how awful it would be to watch your grandfather or grandmother die, that is what euthanasia means. Why is this a fallacy? Appealing to the most base aspect of people is not necessary in a logical and rational debate. 2 – Sub category: fallacies of irrelevant appeal 3 – Fallacy Name: manipulation of emotions 4 – Alternate Names: ‘arguing in a circle’