Write a brief summary regarding below questions concerning fallacy?!

Fallacies of Presumption
Instructions: For each scenario, identify the specific fallacy of presumption (Begging the
Question/Circular Argument, Complex Question, or False Dichotomy) and explain why the
argument is flawed or unfair.
A speaker claims, "Ghosts exist because I've seen them, and I know what I saw was real
because ghosts are real."
○ Question: What specific fallacy is being committed, and why is this argument
logically unsound?
A lawyer asks a witness, "Do you admit that your plan to defraud the company was
well-thought-out?"
○ Question: Identify the fallacy in this question. Why is it problematic regardless of
how the witness answers?
A political commentator states, "Either you support lowering taxes for the wealthy, or you are against economic prosperity for everyone."
○ Question: What fallacy is being presented, and why does it represent an unfair or
incomplete choice?
The instructions for a new game state, "This game is fun because it's genuinely enjoyable to play."
○ Question: Which fallacy of presumption is evident here, and what makes this
statement circular?

1 answer

Summary of Fallacies of Presumption

  1. Begging the Question/Circular Argument: In the argument "Ghosts exist because I've seen them, and I know what I saw was real because ghosts are real," the fallacy lies in assuming the truth of what it attempts to prove—namely, that ghosts exist. The speaker uses their claim of having seen ghosts as evidence, which is circular because it presupposes the very existence of ghosts to validate their experience. This makes the argument logically unsound, as it does not provide independent evidence that supports the conclusion.

  2. Complex Question: The lawyer's question, "Do you admit that your plan to defraud the company was well-thought-out?" exemplifies the complex question fallacy. This question presumes that the witness had a plan to defraud the company, which has not been established as true. Regardless of the witness's answer, they are forced to acknowledge an assertion that may be false, making it problematic as it leads to an unfair presumption of guilt.

  3. False Dichotomy: The political commentator’s statement, "Either you support lowering taxes for the wealthy, or you are against economic prosperity for everyone," presents a false dichotomy. It unfairly constrains the options to two extreme positions while disregarding a spectrum of possible views regarding tax policy and economic prosperity. This misrepresents the debate by implying that there are only two antagonistic choices, hence oversimplifying a complex issue.

  4. Circular Argument: The game's instruction that "This game is fun because it's genuinely enjoyable to play" is an example of a circular argument. The statement defines "fun" by using the term "enjoyable," without providing further explanation as to why the game is enjoyable. This circularity renders the argument empty, as it does not offer any substantial criteria or evidence that would clarify what makes the game fun.

In all these examples, fallacies of presumption lead to flawed reasoning that can mislead audiences, overshadow genuine discourse, and perpetuate misconceptions.