Fallacies and Contradictions
A bad argument in fine clothes still limps.
Skill in training: Recognise common fallacies and inner contradictions in real human speech.
The Situation
In a heated family discussion you hear: 'Either you are with us or against us. Anyway, you were always the difficult one, so your point proves nothing.'
Core Insight
Fallacies are not exotic. They are the ordinary shortcuts of tired minds, including ours.
Seneca
Which fallacy do you reach for when you are losing?
Examination Exercise
Match each statement to its fault.
Either you agree, or you don't care about this family.
You are wrong because you always exaggerate.
It must be true; I have felt it strongly for years.
I value honesty above all, but I told them what they wanted to hear.
Practice Beyond the Academy
Catch one fallacy in the wild today: in media, in conversation, or in your own head. Name it precisely in your Record, without contempt.
Reflection · saved to your work
- Which fallacy are you most often the author of?
- Where do your stated principles and your practice contradict?
Test your judgment by the four virtues.