Logical Fallacy Bingo

Edu-babble, like so many other forms of public debate, is characterized by weak reasoning and logical fallacy. For those times when its so-called "logic" becomes just too much, I present:

As you read an article extolling the virtues of fuzzy math, keep this and a dauber at hand. Whenever you run across a logical fallacy listed on the sheet, fill in that box. When you have a complete line of five boxes horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, shout "Bingo". You've "won". (If this turns out to be too easy, there's always "Blackout".)

For the more adventurous, you can try this at a PTSA meeting, though you might want to keep notes about which statements you used for each box. This will help to resolve any disputes about precedence.

Important rule: No individual sentence, however flawed or convoluted, can be used for more than one space. If someone says, "We moved Johnny from the general track to the gifted track and he failed miserably, so obviously we can't move your son. He'd fail too." You could take this for a "Sweeping Generalization", "Anecdotal Evidence", or "After, Therefore Because", but not more than one of these.

But that's not all! For those of you who prefer more formal terminology, I have a more formal version:

Latin is so much more elegant.

Finally, if you need a refresher on the definitions of the many forms of logical fallacy, I recommend:

The Nizkor Project's Fallacies page.

—Or—

The Atheism Web's Logic & Fallacies page.


-- DougSundseth - 14 Dec 2005

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(If this turns out to be too easy, there's always "Blackout".)

I can tell you already, anything less than blackout will be too easy.

-- KDeRosa - 15 Dec 2005

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Actually, I think this bingo game will be useful in many situations.

First I will have to brush up on the rarer fallacies (although strawman and slippery slope are quite popular around here).

-- CarolynJohnston - 15 Dec 2005

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"...anything less than blackout will be too easy."

Well, remember that bingo is a race game. Races tend to be unsatisfying if no one ever gets to the end. Think of this as a sprint.

8-)

FWIW, I find it useful to semi-regularly visit the sites I linked; it helps me to tighten my argumentation.

-- DougSundseth - 15 Dec 2005

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These are great, Doug. I love the Latin.

-- SusanS - 15 Dec 2005

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This is synchronicity; I just looked up Kahane's Logic in Everyday Life book the other day!

-- CatherineJohnson - 15 Dec 2005

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As you read an article extolling the virtues of fuzzy math, keep this and a dauber at hand. Whenever you run across a logical fallacy listed on the sheet, fill in that box. When you have a complete line of five boxes horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, shout "Bingo". You've "won". (If this turns out to be too easy, there's always "Blackout".)

you know......this is HIGHLY tempting

we managed to have only ONE such moment in the meeting-with-the-principal, when I said that a real writer has to write short, not long, and the principal said, We can't compare these kids to professional writers. Therefore Christopher deserved a D for writing short.

-- CatherineJohnson - 15 Dec 2005

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Professor Plum over at Education Nation has a great example of logical fallacies in education writing.

-- KDeRosa - 15 Dec 2005

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Is anyone aware of logic programs or games for the under 10 set?

-- LoneRanger - 16 Dec 2005

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Smasheroni!

-- VerghisKoshi - 16 Dec 2005

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Smasheroni?

hmm

I'm ordering Kahane, which I used with college freshmen.

His book has been expanded to about twice the size it was when I used it, but I bet it still has material you could use for a young child.

I'll see when I get it.

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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Mind Benders

-- KDeRosa - 16 Dec 2005

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Interesting.

Ken—Christopher is 11—would you start with the first one??

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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What Ken said.

Also, A Case of Red Herrings.

Catherine,

I did Critical Thinking (Book 1) by Anita Harnadek, with my youngest for a while (There is book 2, as well.) I had to find a used instructor copy on the net. It is excellent for that age. My son loved it! But what drove me crazy was that so many times he was more logical than me, at least according to the book. He delighted in that way too much so I put it down. He still asks me about it. I'm going to have to put my ego aside and bring it out again.

These are good precursors to a more formal Logic course like the ones Canon Press offers for 7th/8th grade.

-- SusanS - 16 Dec 2005

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Susan

We've got 3 series here, right?

Which one should I try first?

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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I just found the Critical Thinking Teacher's Edition.

Do you need both books?

Or can you just use the Teacher's Edition.

My copy of the Norton Sampler Teacher's Edition came.

It's GREAT.

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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For logic, it's always best to start at the beginning to make sure you learn the basics.

-- KDeRosa - 16 Dec 2005

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The teacher's book looks a little confusing without the student book. The teacher's edition really coaches the instructor. I personally couldn't have done without it, but Doug or Ken might be able to.

I used to sit with my son right before school (that little 30 minute window) and have both books out. I think I had to work out of the student book to start the discussions.

I also copied a list of "critical thinking rules" from the book and hung it up in the kid's room. He loved it. When he came home from school to tell about something that happened he often could say what critical thinking rule was broken.

I remember thinking that I wanted to jump to book 2 with him (I had been humiliated enough), but thought better of it for some reason. I'll go dig it out and see. I imagine it hinges more on Book 1 and I was mad at Book 1 for outing me as a touchy-feely flake.

I'm telling you, my son's eys lit up with the entire idea of just discussing all of this. It really hits the junior high kid where they live and it's not boring. That was what my son loved about it. He would beg to do it some days.

The book should say Book 1. That's the beginning.

Oh, fine. I'm going to have to start it up again. You've reminded me how good it is.

Logic 1 and 2 from Canon Press teaches formal logic. The Well-Trained Mind recommends the Harnadek books at around 6th grade before moving into Canon Press books (Canon Press is a Christian publishing Co., and some of the examples in the Logic series reflect that, so buyer beware.)

-- SusanS - 16 Dec 2005

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When he came home from school to tell about something that happened he often could say what critical thinking rule was broken.

Yes, that will Build Popularity in the middle school!

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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I'm thinking of starting with Critical Thinking book 1, then.....

Is that a good idea?

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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I have a visual image of going in to talk to our administrators, putting my logical fallacy bingo card on the table at the beginning of the discussion, concentrating carefully on what they're saying and occasionally systematically placing little bingo chips on the card. Can you imagine how completely flummoxed they'd be? Even before I jumped up and shouted 'bingo!'

-- CarolynJohnston - 16 Dec 2005

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That was the image I had in my head when I decided to do this. Somehow I think a happy dance might be appropriate too.

Serious bingo players use "daubers", though, which are these giant markers (for lack of a better word), in obnoxious neon colors, that they use to mark the spaces.

-- DougSundseth - 16 Dec 2005

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I'm thinking it'd be even more effective to bring in an easel and an over-sized foam-board mounted bingo card with you. Without explanation, you set-up the easel and bingo card next to you and then when they are talking you begin playing.

When they are done and it's your turn to speak you say, "As you can see I have fully responded to your arguments, such that they are, and have gotten three Bingos, which is a personal best. Now on to my points ..."

-- KDeRosa - 16 Dec 2005

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Yes, I'd do the Book 1. It was fine and Christopher is a bit older so it will match him perfectly.

-- SusanS - 16 Dec 2005

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I go with daubers.

Definitely.

Daubers.

-- CatherineJohnson - 16 Dec 2005

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