Question

Categorize the following logical fallacy.

John Bardeen's work at the Advanced Institute for Physics has progressed so slowly that even his colleagues call him a plodder. Hence, it is prudent at present not to take seriously his current theory relating how strings constitute the smallest of subatomic particles.

a. Circular reasoning
b. False dilemma
c. Appeal to consequence
d. Ad hominem
e. Correlation implies causation

Answer 1

The logical fallacy in the argument is ad hominem, which attempts to discredit a person instead of addressing their argument. In this case, the argument attacks John Bardeen's character and work ethic to undermine his theory about subatomic particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The logical fallacy in this argument is ad hominem. Ad hominem is a fallacy that attempts to discredit a person instead of addressing their argument. In this case, the argument attacks John Bardeen's character and work ethic, implying that his theory should not be taken seriously because of his perceived failure to progress in his work.

The fallacy of ad hominem diverts attention from the actual argument and focuses on attacking the person making the argument. It is important to evaluate arguments based on their merits and evidence, rather than resorting to personal attacks.

In this case, even if John Bardeen's work progress is slow, it does not necessarily invalidate his theory about strings constituting subatomic particles. The validity of his theory should be assessed based on the evidence and logical reasoning supporting it, rather than personal opinions or character judgments.

Answer 2

d. Ad hominem

Step-by-step explanation:

A fallacy can be defined as a mistaken or false belief that are based on illogical arguments or reasoning.

However, a lot of people might actually think it to be true but it isn't. There are various types of fallacy, these include;

I. Black or white.

II. Non sequitur.

III. Appeal to moderation.

IV. Bandwagon.

V. Appeal to authority.

VI. Straw man.

VII. Oversimplification or hasty generalization.

VIII. Appeal to ignorance.

IX. Appeal to pity.

X. Ad hominem.

Ad hominem can be defined as a type of fallacy in which the motive, character, or some other aspect of a person is attacked rather than his or her position.

This ultimately implies that, Ad hominem is typically based on prejudices, emotions, or feelings rather than appealing to reason, intellect or substance.

In this scenario, John Bardeen's research work at the Advanced Institute for Physics has progressed so slowly that even his colleagues call him a plodder. As a result, the speaker concluded that it's prudent at present not to take seriously his current theory on how strings constitute the smallest of subatomic particles. Thus, the logical fallacy described above is an ad hominem because John's slowness in his research work is bone of contention for the speaker rather than analyzing and concentrating on his theory about strings.