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Copy of Column Writing Series 4

The document discusses common fallacies in column writing, including definitions and examples of each type, such as Straw Man, Ad Hominem, False Dilemma, Slippery Slope, Appeal to Emotion, and Hasty Generalization. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding these fallacies to maintain credibility and provide clear arguments. Each fallacy is illustrated with examples of weak writing followed by improved versions that eliminate the fallacies.

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Leomarr Ysrael Arzadon Disay
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2 views

Copy of Column Writing Series 4

The document discusses common fallacies in column writing, including definitions and examples of each type, such as Straw Man, Ad Hominem, False Dilemma, Slippery Slope, Appeal to Emotion, and Hasty Generalization. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding these fallacies to maintain credibility and provide clear arguments. Each fallacy is illustrated with examples of weak writing followed by improved versions that eliminate the fallacies.

Uploaded by

Leomarr Ysrael Arzadon Disay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COLUMN WRITING SERIES

avoiding
fallacies
LEOMARR YSRAEL A. DISAY
Defining fallacies
Definition: Errors in
reasoning that undermine
an argument.
Types: Logical, rhetorical,
and informal fallacies.
Impact: Misleads readers
and damages writer
credibility.
Common Fallacies in
Column Writing

1. Straw Man Fallacy


Definition: Misrepresenting an opponent’s
argument to make it easier to attack.
STRAWMAN
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"People who oppose social media
censorship want a lawless internet where
cyberbullying and fake news run rampant."
✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):
"Critics of social media censorship argue that
regulation should not infringe on free speech, even
while addressing issues like misinformation and
harassment.”
STRAWMAN
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"Environmental activists just want to ban all
cars and force people to walk everywhere."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Environmental activists advocate for policies that
reduce carbon emissions while allowing practical
transportation options."
STRAWMAN
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"Those against school uniforms think
students should dress inappropriately all
the time."
✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):
"Opponents of school uniforms believe students
should have some freedom of expression in their
clothing choices while maintaining appropriate dress
codes.”
Common Fallacies in
Column Writing

2. Ad Hominem (Personal Attack)


Definition: Attacking the person making an
argument instead of addressing the
argument itself.
AD HOMINEM
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"We shouldn’t listen to this senator’s economic
policies because he’s a millionaire who doesn’t
care about the poor."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Some critics argue that this senator’s economic
policies may not adequately address income
inequality, given his personal financial background."
AD HOMINEM
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"That journalist’s opinion is invalid because she
has never run a business herself."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"While the journalist lacks business experience, her
analysis is based on research and expert interviews."
AD HOMINEM
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"Only an idiot would support this new tax reform
policy."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"This tax reform policy is controversial, with some
arguing that it benefits corporations more than
individuals."
Common Fallacies in
Column Writing

3. False Dilemma (Either-Or Fallacy)


Definition: Presenting only two extreme
choices when more options exist.
FALSE DILEMMA
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"Either we ban AI completely, or robots will take
over all human jobs."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"While AI has the potential to impact job markets,
experts suggest policies that balance innovation with
workforce protections."
FALSE DILEMMA
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"You’re either with us or against us in this
debate."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"There are multiple perspectives in this debate, and
compromise solutions may be possible."
FALSE DILEMMA
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"If you don’t support this new law, you don’t
care about public safety."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Some argue that alternative approaches, such as
better enforcement of existing laws, may be more
effective for public safety."
Common Fallacies in
Column Writing

4. Slippery Slope
Definition: Claiming that one small action
will inevitably lead to extreme
consequences without clear evidence.
SLIPPERY SLOPE
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"If we allow kids to play violent video games,
soon they will become criminals."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"While some studies explore links between violent
video games and aggression, other research
suggests multiple factors influence behavior."
SLIPPERY SLOPE
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"Legalizing marijuana will lead to the
legalization of all drugs."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Some argue that marijuana legalization could set a
precedent, but policies can be designed to regulate
specific substances individually."
SLIPPERY SLOPE
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"If we raise the minimum wage, businesses will
go bankrupt and unemployment will skyrocket."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Economists debate the effects of raising the minimum
wage, with some suggesting it could improve workers’
quality of life without harming businesses."
Common Fallacies in
Column Writing

5. Appeal to Emotion
Definition: Using emotions to manipulate an
audience instead of presenting logical
arguments.
APPEAL TO EMOTION
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"If you love your country, you must support this
war!"

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Some argue that military action is necessary for national
security, while others advocate for diplomatic solutions."
APPEAL TO EMOTION
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"If you don’t donate to this charity, you don’t
care about starving children."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Supporting this charity can help address hunger, but
there are multiple ways to contribute to the cause."
APPEAL TO EMOTION
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"This new policy must pass because it makes
people feel hopeful about the future."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"While this policy is popular, its long-term effects should
be carefully analyzed before implementation."
Common Fallacies in
Column Writing

6. Hasty Generalization
Definition: Making a broad conclusion
based on limited or insufficient evidence.
HASTY GENERALIZATION
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"One electric car caught fire, so all electric
vehicles are dangerous."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"While there have been reports of battery fires in some
electric cars, statistical data shows that vehicle fires are
not exclusive to EVs."
HASTY GENERALIZATION
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"I met a rude tourist from France, so all French
people must be rude."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Cultural attitudes vary among individuals, and one
encounter does not define an entire population."
HASTY GENERALIZATION
❌ Before Checking (With Fallacy):
"A teenager committed a crime, so young
people today have no morals."

✅ After Checking (Without Fallacy):


"Crime rates among young people fluctuate due to
various social and economic factors."
HASTY GENERALIZATION
Example of Weak Writing (With Fallacies):
"Our economy is failing because our leaders are corrupt and
greedy. If we don’t act now, we’ll be in total collapse in a
year!"

Example of Strong Writing (Without Fallacies):


"Recent economic data shows a decline in growth, with rising
concerns about policy decisions. Experts suggest balanced
fiscal strategies to stabilize the situation."

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