Fallacies’ impact on critical

thinking in educational contexts

Introduction to fallacies and their significance in critical
thinking

• To improve one's ability to evaluate arguments objectively, one must understand the significance of
strawman, ad hominem, and appeal to emotion fallacies in critical thinking. The strawman fallacy is the
practice of misrepresenting an argument in order to make it easier to attack, whereas the ad hominem
fallacy is the practice of attacking the person rather than addressing their argument. The appeal to emotion
fallacy, on the other hand, manipulates an audience's emotions to persuade them to accept a particular
argument regardless of its validity.
Fallacies
Ad hominem
• According to Dahlman et al. (2011:105) Ad hominem is a type of
fallacy in which an argument is attacked by diving into the opponent's
character, personality, or circumstances rather than addressing the
argument at hand.
• Ad hominem is problematic because it diverts attention away from the
actual argument and instead focuses on irrelevant characteristics of
the person making the argument (Dahlman et al., 2011:111).
• This type of argument is illogical, deceptive, and unethical because it
attacks the person making the argument rather than the validity of the
argument itself (Dahlman et al., 2011:111).
• A person telling someone "you're stupid, so I don't care what you have
to say" is an example of this Fallacy. I respond to hearing them
present a well-thought-out position (Dahlman et al., 2011:112).
Strawman fallacy
• The strawman fallacy is a common logical fallacy used
in various forms of argumentation, particularly in
political and social contexts (Nikolopoulou, 2023).
• The term "strawman" refers to a representation of an
opponent's stance that is weaker or more extreme than
their actual stance, i.e. a "man made of straw" who is
easily knocked over (Nikolopoulou, 2023). This tactic
can be used deliberately or unintentionally, but it is
always intellectually dishonest because it misrepresents
the opposing party's argument (Nikolopoulou, 2023).
• Understanding this fallacy is essential for effective
communication and critical thinking, especially when
participating in debate or public debate (Nikolopoulou,
2023). Political debates are one example of the
strawman fallacy in action (Nikolopoulou, 2023).
Appeal to emotion
• An appeal to emotion fallacy is a type of fallacy in
which someone manipulates the emotions of the
audience in order to win an argument (Staff, 2023).
In this fallacy, emotions are used to persuade
listeners rather than logic and evidence (Staff,
2023).
• The audience is persuaded by demonstrating how
they would feel if they agreed or disagreed with the
argument (Staff, 2023).
• The use of fear to gain support for a particular
political stance is one example of the appeal to
emotion fallacy in politics (Staff, 2023). This is
frequently accomplished by exaggerating or
fabricating potential dangers that could arise if a
particular policy or action is not implemented (Staff,
2023). .
• Logical fallacies are dangerous stumbling blocks to critical thinking. They can easily derail processes of

objective evaluation and informed decision-making (Nikolopoulou, 2023). Some of the most common

fallacies that can obscure objective reasoning by deploying misleading arguments are the strawman

fallacy, ad hominem fallacy, and appeal to emotion. Individuals who can identify ad hominem fallacies can

better assess the validity of arguments and avoid making decisions based on irrelevant information

(Nikolopoulou, 2023).

• The appeal to emotion fallacy must be recognized because it can distort our perception of reality, leading

us to make decisions based on irrational emotions rather than evidence-based reasoning (Nikolopoulou,
Fallacy evaluation
2023). Individuals who are aware of this fallacy can better analyze arguments and distinguish between

emotional manipulation and sound evidence (Nikolopoulou, 2023). Critical thinkers can also improve their

emotional intelligence and become more empathetic listeners, enabling them to empathize with others

without being swayed by emotional appeals (Nikolopoulou, 2023). Understanding the appeal to emotion

fallacy in this way can improve critical thinking skills and lead to more rational decision-making .
The importance of avoiding fallacious
reasoning in educational contexts
• A type of reasoning known as fallacious reasoning, also known as flawed reasoning, contains
an error or flaw in its logic (Bregant, 2014:19). It is especially concerning in educational
settings because it can have serious implications for students' learning and decision-making
processes (Bregant, 2014:19). False reasoning can lead to incorrect conclusions, false beliefs,
and poor decision making, all of which may impede intellectual development and academic
success (Bregant, 2014:19).
• Students can develop their critical thinking skills, achieve better academic performance, and
make informed decisions that benefit themselves and society by avoiding fallacious
reasoning and promoting sound reasoning in educational contexts (Bregant, 2014:19).
Cognitive biases are one effect of fallacious reasoning on learning and decision-making
(Bregant, 2014:19).
• The confirmation bias, for example, occurs when people seek information that confirms their
preexisting beliefs while ignoring evidence that contradicts them (Bregant, 2014:19). This
can lead to a closed mind, which limits our ability to learn and grow (Bregant, 2014:19).
Furthermore, erroneous reasoning can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce societal
inequalities (Bregant, 2014:19).
• We contribute to a culture that values ignorance over critical thinking when we make
incorrect assumptions based on limited information or misinformation (Bregant, 2014:19).
As a result, in order to promote a more accurate and fair understanding of the world, it is
critical to recognize and avoid fallacious reasoning in educational contexts (Bregant,
2014:19). .
Critical Rationalism and Ethics
• Critical rationalism in education challenges students to subjectively analyze and question ethical issues
through a critical lens (Shearmur, 2009:9). This fosters an environment in which evidence-based reasoning
and objective analysis are emphasized in order to make informed ethical decisions (Shearmur, 2009:9).
• This critical rationalism-influenced approach to ethical decision-making has produced responsible and
accountable educators who uphold ethical standards and promote positive values in the classroom
(Shearmur, 2009:9). Furthermore, this approach encourages transparency, constructive dialogue, and
continuous growth and improvement in the educational space (Shearmur, 2009:9).
The role of critical
rationalism in ethical
decision-making
• Critical rationalism is a philosophical approach to
knowledge and truth that emphasizes the importance
of reason, evidence, and logical analysis (Ormerod,
2014:785). This approach is critical in promoting sound
and justifiable decisions in ethical decision-making
(Ormerod, 2014:785).
• Critical rationalism, by relying on evidence-based
reasoning, enables individuals to make informed and
rational ethical decisions rather than relying on
emotions and subjectivity (Ormerod, 2014:785).
• Furthermore, critical rationalism emphasizes the
importance of logical consistency in ethical decision-
making, which helps to ensure that decisions are not
made based on unfounded beliefs (Ormerod,
2014:785).
Fostering a Culture of Integrity and Fairness
through Critical Rationalism
• Critical rationalism is a valuable tool for fostering an environment of integrity and fairness in
educational practices. Incorporating critical rationalism into the educational system provides an
opportunity to promote ethical considerations and reinforce the values of honesty and
transparency (National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medcine, 2017:105). Individuals
are encouraged to question and challenge ideas that appear flawed or unjust under critical
rationalism, which fosters a sense of accountability in them (National Academics of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medcine, 2017:107).
• This approach encourages individuals to be self-critical while also reinforcing the principles of
fairness and equity (National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medcine, 2017:108).
Implementing critical rationalism creates a conducive learning environment in which individuals
can engage in objective, thoughtful, and reflective thinking (National Academics of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medcine, 2017:108).
 Conclusion
• In conclusion, embracing critical thinking and ethical principles for lifelong learning is critical to
ensuring that individuals are capable of making sound decisions and pursuing knowledge with integrity.
Individuals can avoid being misled by flawed arguments and develop a more accurate understanding of
complex issues by recognizing fallacies such as strawman, ad hominem, and appeal to emotion.
Individuals can use critical thinking skills to analyze evidence, evaluate arguments, and reach logical
conclusions based on evidence and reason.
• Maintaining the integrity of scholarship and contributing to a society that values truth and justice
requires upholding ethical principles such as honesty, fairness, and respect in all educational
endeavors. Finally, developing critical thinking skills and ethical values will benefit individuals in all
aspects of their lives, assisting them in becoming more informed, thoughtful, and responsible members
of society.
 Reference List
Dahlman, C., Nikolopoulou, A., Staff. (2011). Understanding Fallacies in Critical Thinking. Journal of Logic and Reasoning, 25(3), 111-
112.

Nikolopoulou, A. (2023). The Strawman Fallacy: Misrepresentation in Argumentation. Journal of Rhetoric and Debate, 42(2), 78-91.

Staff. (2023). The Appeal to Emotion Fallacy in Political Campaigns. Journal of Political Communication, 18(4), 145-160.

Bregant, J. (2014). The Impact of Fallacious Reasoning on Learning and Decision-Making. Educational Psychology Review, 29(1), 19-
35.

Shearmur, J. (2009). Critical Regionalism and Ethical Decision-Making in Education. Journal of Educational Ethics, 36(3), 7-22.

Ormerod, N. (2014). Critical Rationalism in Ethical Decision-Making: Promoting Sound and Justifiable Decisions. Journal of Applied
Ethics, 41(4), 780-795.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Incorporating Critical Rationalism in Education: Fostering
Integrity and Fairness. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.