Fallacies

I often use fallacies when in an argument. Often we don’t even notice we are. However, fallacies often sway our audience to believe what we are saying, whether it be a sound argument or not. When put in a situation where we feel like we are backed up into a corner, such as an argument, we often resort to illogical conclusions to get ourselves out of a certain situation. On the other hand, even when we don’t feel threatened, but simply want to convince, we still use fallacies.

I believe that my most commonly used fallacy is basing my argument off of something somebody might have said, assuming it is true. How often do we all do that?

So many times, since I was young, I have argued using the word of my siblings as a tool to prove my point. “Well Susanna said that Mom said that I could have the candy!” often clears one’s slate. Susanna could have been lying, but that doesn’t seem to matter when the attention is shifted solely on you. The person who is listening doesn’t think about whether you were lied to, they are thinking only that you were granted permission. Using this fallacy has often won me arguments, especially as a child and I think that many other’s can say the same.