Fallacies Composition and Division - Essay Example

In general, good arguments are backed by a pattern of reasoning that can be conclusively proved and vali d through scientifically proved methodology. On the other hand, fallacies are commonly recognized as reasons that are specifically used to win an argument or place oneself in a winning position. A Fallacious argument lacks substantial validity and is more focused on the individual interests to prove a point in one’s favor. Fallacious arguments follow their own set of logic that may be construed as illogical reasoning because the conclusions do not conform to the wider implications of the case in point (on which the arguments are based).

Hence, fallacious arguments are not always true and should be taken with a pinch of salt. A fallacious argument follows certain reasons that might be considered as logical to come to a conclusion in one’s favor. The pattern of reasoning in fallacy is based on criteria that is confined to promote the interests of the person and primarily relates to the expected conclusions or to conclude the argument as the wishes of the person. The person may follow any of the following set of reasons: Cite an authority to prove one’s point; quote categorized statistics; refer to one’s personal experience; and use analogies.

Interestingly, while the person may consider the arguments as logical, the very pattern of reasoning makes it highly illogical because they lack the basic principles of universal validation processes. The most common fallacious argument that is prevalent in the society is that of Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc version of fallacy. These arguments base their reasoning on the events that has led to certain conclusion. The cause and effect theory is generally applied to prove one’s point of view. ‘John and his family had recently become vegetarians and since then, one or the other member has been falling sick.

Hence vegetarian diet is not good for health’In the above example, the cause is false because merely pointing out that John and family had become sick due to vegetarian diet is inadequate for concluding that vegetarian diet is bad. There might have been a number of things that could have made them sick. There could have been many reasons like inadequate clothing, irregular eating habit, weak immunity system or even the fact that they might have been extremely tired and overworked, that could be responsible for their being sick.

The conclusion is based on some previous event that is not substantial enough to warrant such conclusion. Hence it can be safely stated that the person has used the fallacious statement to prove his point. It cannot be accepted as a logical argument which will be universally acknowledged.