The passage primarily illustrates the false choice fallacy. The speaker presents the argument that voters must choose between two extremes — either electing Janet Jones, who they portray as having committed "assault" and "lies," or rejecting her as a suitable candidate for president of the Chess Club. This simplifies a complex situation to two options without considering any middle ground or additional factors that may qualify Janet for the position.
Read part of a speech by a candidate for a school office.
My opponent Janet Jones is a candidate for president of Chess Club. But what qualifies her for this role? Janet has admitted that she called other students insulting names on the playground in fifth grade. Those were verbal assaults. Then she did not answer when the playground monitor tried to find out who was yelling. That's lying, plain and simple. Do you want to elect someone who commits assault and lies? That would be an insult to members of the Chess Club.
Which type of logical fallacy is used in the passage?
Responses
categorical claim
categorical claim
exaggeration
exaggeration
false choice
false choice
bandwagon
1 answer
1 answer