Parent Pep Talk: 10 Logical Lies

In the textbooks, these are called fallacies (rhymes with "pal-uh-seize"), which means they are false arguments, or at least, flawed arguments. I like to think of a logical fallacy that's used by accident as being a logical problem, sort of like a broken car. When someone uses a logical fallacy on purpose, it's my opinion that it is a kind of lie, and probably most experts on ethics and fairness would agree.

So when you are in an argument with somebody and they use one of these 10 logical fallacies, well, you have to decide whether you feel it's a mistake or a lie.

However, even if somebody is deliberately using a logical fallacy – and in that way, lying – that doesn't mean it's OK for you to shout out that they are liars and should be rolled in the pig pen. You should politely point out that they're using a flawed argument, explain why, and ask them to return to the last point that was being made before the fallacy took the argument off the road.

Also, if you're really being logical, you might have to agree with some other parts of the other person's point of view, even if they have used a logical fallacy. For example, if somebody tells you that you are too young to have an opinion on a particular topic, as a way of pushing aside a point you're trying to make, that is the ad hominem fallacy (Logical Lie #1). However, if somebody is able to bring up some specifics that you really don't have experience with and that really are important to understanding the topic fully enough to have a useful opinion, well, they might be right.

So, as we all know, arguments are not simple.

The best thing to keep in mind is that these rules of argument are for civilized debate and disagreement.

And here they are: 10 Logical Lies