How the common man prefers fallacious logic.

Chagen

I'm starting to get mighty sick of how my parents continue to use fallacies even after I point this out to them.

The common man confuses me oh so much.

snowbull

Hitler used logical fallacies too, y'know.

Chagen

But...didn't...y-you just use a logical fallacy...

-head asplodes-

snowbull

I'm not even sure what sort of point I was trying to make.

Beholderess

Fallacy is a shortcut that saves time and effort. Rather efficient, actually.

Now, of course fallacy leads to wrong conclusions, but what is logically wrong does not necessary mean that it is wrong in an everyday decision-making, especially when decision must be reached quickly. For example, while the character of the one making an argument does not in any way invalidates - or enhances - an argument itself, in everyday situations it makes perfect sense to dismiss the words of a known liar. Of course, a liar might say the truth this time - but it's not likely, and time and effort saved by refusing to investigate each claim compensate well for occasional mistake.

Ponicalica

Fallacy fallacy, Chagen.

Also, «common man»?  Really?

Gelzo

I don't think that's an example of a fallacy, Beholderess. I think the fallacy you're talking about is when the reasoning of the person is dismissed because of the person's character. It doesn't have anything to do with the truth value of new information the person provides or is assumed to have.

You can reasonably doubt a known liar when you can't know first-hand whether there is an apple in my lunch, but if the person comes to a conclusion that is logically sound using information available to you both (We both saw me put that apple in my lunch.) then it's silly to ignore the conclusion.

Beholderess

Not necessary, as one can assume that the liar lied about the conclusion they really reached with their reasoning

RedEyedAbyss

"Also, «common man»? Really?"

My thoughts precisely.

DYRE

"My thoughts precisely."

My thoughts exactly.

Icalasari

My thoughts absolutely

Gelzo

"Not necessary, as one can assume that the liar lied about the conclusion they really reached with their reasoning."

It doesn't matter if they reached a different conclusion personally. If the reasoning is sound and you have the relevant information to make a decision, it's a valid argument worth considering.

The thing you need to pay attention to is where they have the potential and likelihood to provide false information.

Vorpy

I use logical fallacies on purpose, because they always work to my advantage.

Being able to be a hypocrite while everyone else won't allow themselves to is like being able to shoot people but having others not feel compelled to shoot me.

Or something like that.

Sometimes I don't though, but never explain why.

glennmagusharvey

I have no problem using fallacies as long as I use them for the right reasons, and as long as I can explain myself using actual logic without making a fool of myself and still support my original point.

nohaynicklibre

[just pretend the above three posts dont exist.]

My sentiments exactly.
You son of a bitch,I palindrom I