Logical errors used for manipulation...

[MorbidIxxl]

I am creating this thread out of my anger towards people's supreme ignorance that never fails to annoy the hell out of me...

In many situations in my life I see people using their supposed "logic" in order to argue with me. Their logic tends to be a logical error. The following are examples of logical errors:

Circular Reasoning - They restate/phrase there main point in different words and use it as support.
Example:
MoronA: I am smart!
PersonB: Why do you say that?
MoronA: Because I am intelligent!

False Cause and Effect Reasoning - Making assumptions that something occured because something happened right before it.
Example:
MoronA: I was late to school!
PersonB: Why were you late to school?
MoronA: I drank orange juice instead of milk before I went to class!

False Positive - Using the fact that you cannot disprove something as the only support of an argument.
Example:
MoronA: X is real!
PersonB: I don't think X exists, there is really no evidence of X's existence.
MoronA: You can't prove X does not exist!

Either/Or Logical Error - A person claims you have only 2 options when in fact you have a variety. *Back you into a conversational corner if you will*
Example:
MoronA: Candidate X is the only one who thinks logically. You either vote for X or not at all!
PersonB: I think I can vote for candidate Y or Z.
MoronA: No! You cannot!
PersonB: Moron...

Overgeneralizing - Sterotyping is a prime example. Whenever you base a large spectrum on a small piece of it.
Example:
MoronA: All Metal music is 99% screaming!
PersonB: Um....No its not.
MoronA: Yes it is I heard a band on the radio yesterday!

Generalizing - Not being as specific as needed, to put it simply.
Example:
PersonA: All humans are mammals.

Self Contradiction - Contradicting your own statement, (denying your own point)
Example:
MoronA: My favorite color has always been X.
PersonB: I see...
MoronA: My favorite color has always been Y.

Ambiguity - Being unclear, not fully expanding ~ Meaning not clear in context/has more than one meaning. (fully depends on context of statement/argument)
Example:
MoronA: I am going to kill him!
PersonB: Who? Q, P, or G?

Post examples you have seen of these errors on this forum or from your life.
Post any logical error you think should be added to the list.
Do you think logical errors are a valid/effective way to argue and manipulate people and conversations. Why?

 

[natinsatan]

Welcome to the virtual world my friend, your probably just going to get a lot of flame for this lol

logic doesnt really exist online considering people are actually staring a piece of plastic in frount of their faces for hours on end

 

[MorbidIxxl]

Welcome to the virtual world my friend, your probably just going to get a lot of flame for this lol

logic doesnt really exist online considering people are actually staring a piece of plastic in frount of their faces for hours on end

Logic is intangible-It can exist anywhere
Also, have alot more to them than plastic with the various pieces of hardware inside them RAM, videocards, motherboards, processors etc. Your first logical error on this thread-Generalization used in an argument-Your second Overgeneralizing (stereotyping internet users)~~You tricky manipulative bastard

 

[Koot]

Is that really circular reasoning? I thought it was making a point then making a valid point off of that and then using it to prove the first one, which is most cases isn't necessarily true.

From wiki:

Why am I the boss? Because I call all the shots.

Point B is true based on A. But point A isn't necessarily true based on B.

 

[MorbidIxxl]

Restating a statement in different words (IE:synonyms) as support is always circular reasoning. So yes, my example works just fine.

 

[Christmas Crackers]

Ah yes, stereotyping is the one I can relate to the most because sooo many people assume things about groups of people and use that false information to formulate their arguments.

 

[MorbidIxxl]

Ah yes, stereotyping is the one I can relate to the most because sooo many people assume things about groups of people and use that false information to formulate their arguments.

I have seen this very often as well - I know from your post that you don't think this is a good way to argue~But what about some of the other logic errors I posted up. Do you think those are all inappropriate ways to argue as well?

 

[Dutch Haze]

One thing my mother does a lot is basing her entire future judgment on one bad situation thus stunting many great opportunities.

Example:
Me: Can I get a ride to my friends on Sunday?
Mother: I don't think so I heard there's supposed to be snow in the evening.
Me: But it's only going to be a bit so why worry?
Mother: Well one time I was driving in the snow and it was very hard to be alert.