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Difficulty: EasyAppeal Fallacies (Authority, Emotion, Majority)

In logical reasoning, arguments can be flawed in various ways. An argument commits an appeal fallacy when it relies on an illegitimate appeal to authority, emotion, or majority opinion rather than on relevant logical evidence.

Which of the following statements commit an illegitimate appeal to authority, emotion, or majority? (Select all that apply)

  1. This complex software algorithm is flawless. A famous Hollywood actor who reviewed it said it is the best code ever written.Answer
  2. You must find the defendant innocent of all charges. Just think of how devastated his poor children will be if he is sent to prison!Answer
  3. This specific brand of toothpaste must be the most effective at preventing cavities, because over eighty percent of surveyed consumers purchase it.Answer
  4. D
    The mayor's approval ratings increased right after the new park opened. Therefore, the new park must be the reason for her increased popularity.
  5. E
    Every single component of this new laptop is inexpensive. Therefore, the laptop as a whole must be inexpensive.

Answer

The statements involving the Hollywood actor reviewing code, the emotional plea about the defendant's children, and the toothpaste popularity claim all contain illegitimate appeal fallacies.
The correct options demonstrate the three core types of appeal fallacies: relying on an unqualified expert (the actor), attempting to elicit pity instead of providing evidence (the children), and assuming popularity equates to factual truth (the toothpaste survey).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the first statement regarding the software algorithm.
The statement relies on the opinion of a Hollywood actor for a conclusion about software engineering.
This identifies an illegitimate appeal to authority, as the actor lacks relevant expertise.
2
Analyze the second statement regarding the defendant.
The statement uses the potential sadness of the defendant's children as a reason for innocence.
This identifies an illegitimate appeal to emotion, as it avoids presenting factual evidence of innocence.
3
Analyze the third statement regarding the toothpaste.
The statement concludes the toothpaste is most effective based solely on the fact that 80 percent of consumers buy it.
This identifies an illegitimate appeal to majority opinion, as popularity does not prove scientific effectiveness.
4
Analyze the remaining statements.
The statement about the mayor confuses correlation with causation, and the statement about the laptop commits a fallacy of composition.
These are logical flaws, but they are not appeal fallacies.

Key Concept

Appeal Fallacies (Authority, Emotion, Majority)
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Topics

Appeal Fallacies (Authority, Emotion, Majority)

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