Ignoratio Elenchi: (An irrelevant conclusion, irrelevant thesis, or wrong conclusion fallacy; it is not the same thing as the “Red Herring” fallacy.)
Example:
“It is now legal in Baltimore for same-sex couples to marry. The law took effect January 1st, 2013. This year, Baltimore has also suffered a steep rise in gun-related criminal activity. Therefore, gay marriage caused the increase in firearm violence.”
The “Red Herring” fallacy: (The “smokescreen” defense; intentional misdirection.)
Example:
Student: “It is not ok to sleep with your best friend’s girlfriend.”
Professor Higgs: “Whose rule is that, exactly? Who said it’s ‘not okay’?”
Student: “Everybody! It’s just something we all know!”
Professor Higgs: “Please name ‘everybody’ to whom you are referring.”
Ad Hominem: (An argument directed toward an opponent’s character; one that has little to do with the topic/argument at hand.)
Example:
Reginald: “You’re a feminist; of course, you don’t like men!”
Feminist Frannie: “That’s a ridiculously ignorant argument. It’s an ad hominem fallacy.”
Reginald: “You’re an ad hominem fallacy.”
The “Straw Man” fallacy: (The misrepresentation of an opponent’s argument.)
Example:
Student: “Marijuana should be legalized. Alcohol is a far more dangerous substance. People can drink themselves to death in one night. I don’t know if there’s even one single recorded marijuana overdose. People can’t overdose on pot; they just pass out.”
Professor Higgs: “Do you realize how chaotic the aftermath of legalizing drugs would be? Imagine how people would be driving–“
Student: “But I’m not arguing that all drugs–“
Professor Higgs: “Shhhh. I’m talking. If drugs were legalized, there would be such an uptick in overdose-related deaths–“
Student: “You’re not listening!”
Professor Higgs: “So, because I’m not listening, I’m therefore an ineffective debate opponent? Is that what you’re saying?” (Ignoratio Elenchi)
Student: “No, what I’m saying is, ‘What idiot hired you?'” (Ad Hominem)
Professor Higgs: “It’s not ok to speak to your elders that way.”
Student: “Who made up that stupid rule?” (The Red Herring fallacy)
Professor Higgs: “You just earned 25 extra credit points.”
Student: “Sheesh, because I earned them, that’s for sure.” (Logical argument)
Slow Clap Abby 