Question

My uncle is a big supporter of off-shore drilling for oil as a solution to the nation's energy crisis. But of course he would say that. He works for one of the nation's biggest oil companies. The above is an example of which kind of logical fallacy?

• A. Post Hoc
• B. Bandwagon
• C. Genetic Fallacy
• D. Ad Hominem
• E. Burden of Proof

Hint:

Be careful not to dismiss an argument based on the source; always evaluate the argument itself.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the fallacy.
This argument dismisses the uncle's opinion on off-shore drilling simply because of his association with an oil company, which is an example of the genetic fallacy.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Post Hoc: This fallacy assumes that because one event follows another, the first caused the second, which is not the case here.
- (B) Bandwagon: This fallacy assumes something is true because many people believe it. This is not the case here either.
- (C) Genetic Fallacy: This fallacy dismisses a claim or argument based on its origin or source rather than its merit. Here, the uncle's opinion is dismissed based on his job at an oil company.
- (D) Ad Hominem: While similar, an ad hominem attack directly targets a person's character rather than their argument, which is not exactly what is happening here.
- (E) Burden of Proof: This fallacy shifts the burden of proof to someone else. This does not apply in this case.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (C) is the correct answer as it directly addresses the flaw of dismissing an argument due to its origin or the background of the person making the claim.