Question

Consider the following argumentative passages, and indicate the type of fallacy that best describes each passage. If the passage is not fallacious, choose "no fallacy."

Of course the teacher's union is going to be opposed to merit pay for teachers. The teachers are just worried about losing their jobs. Which of the following best describes the type of fallacy committed in Passage A?
O An ad hominem (argument against the person)
O An appeal to force fallacy
O A red herring fallacy
O An ad hominem (argument against the person) circumstantial fallacy
O No fallacy

Answer 1

The passage commits an ad hominem circumstantial fallacy by suggesting that the teachers' opposition stems from fear of job loss, without addressing the substance of their argument.

Step-by-step explanation:

The argument given in the passage that "Of course the teacher's union is going to be opposed to merit pay for teachers.

The teachers are just worried about losing their jobs." commits a logical fallacy known as an ad hominem (argument against the person) circumstantial fallacy.

This type of fallacy attempts to discredit the teachers' union's position on merit pay by suggesting that their opposition is based solely on a fear of job loss, rather than on any substantive argument regarding the merit pay system itself.

It attacks the circumstance or personal situation of the teachers rather than addressing the actual argument or evidence concerning merit pay.