1.1 Identifying logical fallacies transcript

Jake says:

Person 1

Akamu, Jake’s best friend, says:

Question

1. anecdotal evidence
2. burden of proof
3. ad hominum

Answer

2. burden of proof.

Akamu refuses to believe in the benefits of vegetarianism unless someone else proves that it is definitely effective. Therefore, he is putting the burden of proof on people who do believe in eating a vegetarian diet.

Person 2

Daniyah, Jake’s classmate, says:

“Listen, I saw a documentary by a famous scientist – I can’t remember his name, but he’s really well regarded. He said that avoiding meat leads to some amazing health benefits.  I mean, if he says it’s true, then it’s true because he’s a scientist and he made a documentary about it.”

Question

Daniyah’s argument is an example of:

1. appeal to authority
2. burden of proof
3. correlation-causation

Answer

1. appeal to authority

Daniyah’s opinion is based on the views of an expert. However, Daniyah is not sure who the expert was, and she has not done any of her own independent research into the qualifications of the scientist or the topic.

Person 3

Hans, Jake’s dad, says:

“Well, I was going to become a vegetarian until your mum’s friend, Neha, told me about what happened to her. She said that after a year with no meat she was so tired and weak that some days she couldn’t even get out of bed.”

Question

Hans’ view is an example of:

1. burden of proof
2. anecdotal evidence
3. conspiracy

Answer

2. anecdotal evidence.

This is an example of anecdotal evidence because Hans has based his opinion on information he has heard from another source. In this case, he has not seen this ‘proof’ with his own eyes and does not know if what Neha said is true or accurate.

Person 4

Eli, Jake’s boss, says:

“Vegetarianism? Surely you know that’s all a load of rubbish. I thought you were smarter than that! Is that what they’re teaching you at university? You should stop wasting your time studying if you’re not learning anything worthwhile.”

Question

Eli’s view is an example of:

1. ad hominum
2. anecdotal evidence
3. conspiracy

Answer

1. ad hominum

Instead of developing an effective counterargument against vegetarianism, Eli has attacked Jake’s intelligence.

Person 5

Huerta, Jake’s yoga teacher, says:

“Well, I’m healthy and I’m a vegetarian, so having a plant-based diet is obviously good for you.”

Question

Huerta’s argument is an example of:

1. conspiracy
2. anecdotal evidence
3. correlation-causation

Answer

3. correlation-causation.

Huerta has made an assumed connection between two things without having any real evidence that they are linked.