Question

A speaker says, "We must change to the metric system or we will fall behind the rest of the world in science and industry." This speaker is guilty of using which kind of fallacy in reasoning?

1) Ad hominem fallacy
2) Straw man fallacy
3) False dilemma fallacy
4) Circular reasoning fallacy

Answer 1

The speaker is guilty of using a false dilemma fallacy by suggesting that the only way to avoid falling behind in science and industry is by adopting the metric system, thus ignoring other potential solutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker's statement that "We must change to the metric system, or we will fall behind the rest of the world in science and industry" is an example of a false dilemma fallacy. A false dilemma, also known as a false dichotomy, involves presenting only two options when in reality more possibilities exist. In this case, the speaker suggests that the only way to keep up with the rest of the world in science and industry is to adopt the metric system, ignoring any other possible strategies for maintaining global competitiveness.