Logical Fallacies and Decision Making

Paper Summary:

This paper defines logical fallacies and compares them to logical arguing. The paper first discusses three logical fallacies: division, appeal to pity and hasty generalization. It then offers organizational examples for the three types mentioned above and explains their significance to critical thinking. The paper also discusses the logical fallacies' general application towards decision making.

Table of Contents:
Three Types of Logical Fallacies
Division
Appeal to Pity
Hasty Generalization
How this Relates to Critical Thinking and Decision Making

From the Paper:

"In conclusion, should we stay oblivious or forgetful to our own logical fallacies? We need to understand that critical thinking is crucial towards the quality of life. If our thinking is unclear, biased, partial, and prejudiced, this will be costly for us both in terms of money and even in quality of life. At first glance, it is not obvious. However, we demonstrated above how division, appeal to pity, and hasty generalization can affect our thinking, and as a consequence, our quality of life; and we can see, logical fallacies not only negatively affect our thinking, but our lives in general."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Defining critical thinking. (2004). Retrieved Dec. 24, 2005, from The Critical Thinking Community Web site: http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/definingCT.shtml.
• Engel, M. (1994). With good reason: an introduction to informal fallacies (fifth edition). 5th ed. New York: St. Martins Press.
• Labossiere, M. C. (n.d.). Fallacies. Retrieved Dec. 23, 2004, from Ramdac.org Web site: http://www.ramdac.org/fallacies.php?fallacy=Appeal%20to%20Pity.
• University Library Electronic Reserve Readings (ERR) (2003). Retrieved from University of Phoenix Library.

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