How do we get better at identifying fallacies by name and is it necessary?
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Original Question
I can sense when a fallacy has been committed when listening to any debate, discussion, but often times have a hard time recalling what specific fallacy it is.
Its easy to identify the fallacies in quiz format when you have a list of possibilities but difficult when you hear something then have to determine which fallacy it is by name.
I realize its more important to be able to deal with the fallacy, but I would like to get to the point where I here something, I immediately know which fallacy it is, and am able to address it, being able to think on my feet quicker in essence.
How does one achieve mastery? Just lots of practice?
When I watch any political debate or read any article and I hear what I think is a fallacy, I jot it down and then look it up to see if im correct, this helps.
What do others do?
Its easy to identify the fallacies in quiz format when you have a list of possibilities but difficult when you hear something then have to determine which fallacy it is by name.
I realize its more important to be able to deal with the fallacy, but I would like to get to the point where I here something, I immediately know which fallacy it is, and am able to address it, being able to think on my feet quicker in essence.
How does one achieve mastery? Just lots of practice?
When I watch any political debate or read any article and I hear what I think is a fallacy, I jot it down and then look it up to see if im correct, this helps.
What do others do?
Answers
3Sava has excellent suggestions. Yes, the names come with practice. I still often use my own book as a reference. I know the major ones by memory, and I know enough about the fallacies to know what I am searching for when I do search for a fallacy name. I am really good at, but still need to reference them often :)
Thanks, very helpful!
I believe there are many ways you can achieve mastery in identifying informal and formal logical fallacies. I don't think there is a recipe for identifying fallacies. Like you mentioned, it takes a lot of practice and I think what you found it works for you is of utmost importance. My suggestions [which work for me] are:
1. Make short list of fallacies (descriptions with examples of the fallacies) and try to remember them. For each one, think yourself of different examples that could typify the fallacy. Then, expand your list and do the same.
2. Aim at learning the pattern of a fallacy not necessary its label(s). For instance, when learning affirming the consequent formal fallacy remember its form: If P then Q, Q, Therefore P.
3. Read critical thinking books that discuss fallacies and do the exercises ! Spotting the fallacies in as many examples as possible will provide you with a general heuristic when you wish to identify fallacies in different life situations.
4. Rephrase the descriptions/definitions of a fallacy in your words. Some research suggests that putting written content in your own words contributes to a better encoding of the content as opposed to trying to remember the content verbatim.
1. Make short list of fallacies (descriptions with examples of the fallacies) and try to remember them. For each one, think yourself of different examples that could typify the fallacy. Then, expand your list and do the same.
2. Aim at learning the pattern of a fallacy not necessary its label(s). For instance, when learning affirming the consequent formal fallacy remember its form: If P then Q, Q, Therefore P.
3. Read critical thinking books that discuss fallacies and do the exercises ! Spotting the fallacies in as many examples as possible will provide you with a general heuristic when you wish to identify fallacies in different life situations.
4. Rephrase the descriptions/definitions of a fallacy in your words. Some research suggests that putting written content in your own words contributes to a better encoding of the content as opposed to trying to remember the content verbatim.
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