Fallacies of Presumption We will discuss the following fallacies of presumption: 1. sweeping generalization 2. hasty generalization 3. false dilemma 4.

begging the question 5. complex question 6. special pleading 7. slippery slope Sweeping generalization This fallacy occurs when we treat a general rule as a universal rule. Most rules have exceptions. What happens when we commit a sweeping generalization is that we ignore the exceptions and try to make a rule hold universally. Examples You should help your friends. Thus, I should help my friend rob this bank. (While it is generally true that you should help your friends, there are occasions when you shouldn't. Robbing a bank is one of those occasions.) We have a right to free speech. So, I can talk about bombs in the airport. (While we do have a first amendment right to free speech, there are limits on this right. And talking about bombs in an airport will probably get you some unwanted attention.) Hasty Generalization We base a rule on insufficient evidence or on biased evidence. Examples James Joyce is a great writer and his name is 'James'. James Jones was a good writer and his name was 'James'. If you want to be a good writer, change your name to 'James'. (We're only looking at two cases and we're coming up with a ridiculous rule.) False Dilemma We present only two alternatives when there is a third alternative. Who is the fairest of them all: Jessica Simpson or Ashlee Simpson? (While the Simpson sisters are fair indeed, there are other people who we may think are even fairer.)

Begging the Question Our conclusion is already presupposed by one of our premises Examples Today is Wednesday. Thus, today is Wednesday. (If we don't accept the conclusion, we are not going to accept the premise.) John is a bachelor because he is unmarried. (We're basically saying that John is unmarried because he is unmarried. Our evidence and conclusion are the same.) Complex question Two questions are presented as one. The second question is only relevant if we answer the first question in a particular manner. Example Are you still beating your spouse? (We have two questions: Have you ever beaten your spouse? If so, are you still beating you spouse?) Special Pleading We apply a verbal double-standard. The same behavior is described in different ways Example Your son pays someone to do his homework because he is lazy and irresponsible. My daughter pays someone to do her homework because she has executive ability. (Same behavior, different descriptions) Slippery slope We assume that a proposed first step will set off a chain reaction of events that will inevitably lead to an undesirable outcome. If you buy that lottery ticket, you're going to become a compulsive gambler. (Perhaps buying a lottery ticket will set you down the path to compulsive gambling but it's more likely to set you back a dollar.)