Question

Identify the fallacy , define the fallacy, and explain how that fallacy is committed in the following statements:

A- It’s quite clear what the proponents of legalized euthanasia are seeking. Put simple, they are seeking the power to kill anyone who has a serious illness. And that is why I stand opposed to legalized euthanasia.

B- Social Darwinists such as Herbert Spencer hold that the development and structure of human societies can be explained in terms of evolutionary principles such as the survival of the fittest. But I reject Social Darwinism because Spencer was a real bonehead.

Answer 1

A. The fallacy here is straw man. A straw man fallacy is based on giving the impression of refuting an opponent's argument, while actually refuting an argument that was not presented by that opponent. In this case, the speaker is opposed to legalised euthanasia on the grounds that it seeks the power to kill anyone who has a serious illness. However, this is not what legalised euthanasia proposes at all.

B. The fallacy here is ad hominem. An ad hominem fallacy is one whereby an argument is rebutted by attacking the character of the individual making the argument, rather than attacking the argument itself. Here, Social Darwinism is rejected solely because it’s proponent, Herbert Spencer, is deemed as a ‘bonehead’.