Explain the core idea behind the post hoc fallacy. Provide an original example not mentioned in the video.

The post hoc fallacy assumes causation based solely on temporal sequence. Example: I started using a new brand of shampoo, and my plants started growing faster, so the shampoo must be helping them grow.

Describe a situation where appealing to popularity might be a reasonable heuristic, and explain why it differs from the bandwagon fallacy.

Choosing a popular restaurant in an unfamiliar city might be reasonable, as it suggests others have had positive experiences. This differs from the bandwagon fallacy because it's a practical choice based on aggregated experience, not blind acceptance of a belief.

Why is it important to evaluate an authority's expertise when considering their claims, instead of simply accepting their statements at face value?

Experts can be wrong, and their expertise might not extend to the topic at hand. Accepting claims without evaluation can lead to misinformation and poor decision-making.

What is the central problem with ad hominem arguments, and why are they often employed in debates?

Ad hominem arguments attack the person making the argument instead of addressing the argument itself. They are often used to avoid engaging with challenging ideas or to discredit the messenger.

Explain how the straw man fallacy undermines productive discussion and critical thinking.

The straw man fallacy misrepresents an opponent's argument, making it easier to attack. This prevents genuine engagement with the original point and hinders understanding.

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Spotting Logical Fallacies

Name: Spotting Logical Fallacies
Author: Insta~Lesson

11th GradeELA75 min

Learning Objective

I can identify common logical fallacies in arguments.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

10 min

9 Logical Fallacies That Fool Even the Smartest People

Probably Makes Sense

Practice

23 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Explain the post hoc fallacy and provide an original example not mentioned in the video.”

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