Question Details

Which fallacy is committed in the following argument?

"When I called you, you were neither in your class nor in the laboratory. Why are you avoiding me?"

Options

A

Circular argument

B

"Red herring'

C

Complex question

D

Slippery slope

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

"Red herring'

Solution :

The correct option is "Red herring'.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding the "Red Herring" Fallacy:
A red herring is a logical fallacy where a speaker introduces irrelevant information or draws a tangential conclusion to divert attention from the actual subject or logical facts. It serves to mislead or distract from the core point under discussion.

2. Analyzing the Argument:
The argument states: "When I called you, you were neither in your class nor in the laboratory. Why are you avoiding me?"
- Premise: The listener was not present in the class or the laboratory when the speaker called.
- Conclusion/Accusation: The listener is actively avoiding the speaker.

3. Connecting to the Fallacy:
The physical absence of a person from two specific locations (class and laboratory) at a particular moment is not logical proof of avoidance. There could be many neutral reasons for their absence (e.g., they were at home, in the library, or busy elsewhere). By shifting the focus from a simple matter of location to a loaded, distracting accusation of avoidance, the speaker introduces an irrelevant topic that diverts the conversation, thereby committing a Red herring fallacy.

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