Which informal logical fallacy is committed in the following statement? 'If…
2022
Which informal logical fallacy is committed in the following statement?
'If you give him an inch, he will take a mile.'
Answer: A. Slippery slope — CONCEPTAn informal fallacy is a defect in reasoning that depends on how a claim is presented or supported, rather than on its formal logical structure alone.…
- A.
Slippery slope
- B.
Appeal to force
- C.
Appeal to authority
- D.
Hasty generalization
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
CONCEPT
An informal fallacy is a defect in reasoning that depends on how a claim is presented or supported, rather than on its formal logical structure alone.
A slippery-slope argument treats a small initial step as leading to a much more extreme outcome without establishing the intermediate links.
APPLICATION
The statement moves from granting a very small concession—giving an inch—to the extreme consequence of the other person taking a mile. It supplies no evidence for the steps connecting those two outcomes.
CONTRAST
Appeal to force relies on a threat or coercion instead of reasons.
Appeal to authority relies on an authority’s endorsement as support.
Hasty generalization draws a broad conclusion from too little or unrepresentative evidence.
RESULT
The fallacy is slippery slope.