Question

What is illogical in the following brief arguments in short answers. It may be helpful to identify the logical fallacy or fallacies by name.

1.My roommate, who is an engineering major, is taking a course called Structures of Tall Buildings. All engineers have to know how to design tall buildings.
2. If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to drink. Therefore, the drinking age should be lowered to eighteen.
3. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
4. American students could be outperforming students in schools around the globe if it weren’t for the outmoded, behind-the-times thinking of many statewide education departments.
5. Charging a fee for curbside trash pickup will encourage everyone to recycle more because no one in my town likes to spend extra money.

Answer 1

1. The logical fallacy in this argument is a hasty generalization. The fact that one engineering major is taking a course on tall buildings does not mean that all engineers need to know how to design tall buildings.
2. The logical fallacy in this argument is a non-sequitur. Just because someone is old enough to vote does not mean that they are responsible enough to drink.
3. The logical fallacy in this argument is a false dilemma. There may be other options besides being part of the solution or part of the problem.
4. The logical fallacy in this argument is a sweeping generalization. It is not accurate to say that American students could outperform students worldwide if it weren't for the thinking of statewide education departments.
5. The logical fallacy in this argument is an unsupported assumption. It is not necessarily true that charging a fee for curbside trash pickup will encourage everyone to recycle more.