Question

Read this excerpt from a political candidate’s speech about college tuition.

Some people criticize my view that college education should be free for all state residents. But why do they? Our state has enough money, and if we don’t spend it on education, where will we spend it? Think about how much money is spent on state programs that don’t benefit anyone and just line the pockets of politicians and their friends.

Which logical fallacy does the author include?

red herring
ad populum
false analogy
slippery slope

Answer 1

The logical fallacy included in the excerpt is a red herring. A red herring fallacy occurs when irrelevant or distracting information is presented to divert attention from the main issue or argument. In this case, the author brings up the topic of wasteful spending on state programs that don't benefit anyone, which is unrelated to the question of whether college education should be free for all state residents. By introducing this irrelevant information, the author attempts to deflect attention from addressing the criticism and instead focuses on another issue.

Answer 2

Red Herring

Step-by-step explanation:

A red herring is a fallacy where irrelevant or misleading information is presented to divert attention from the main issue or argument.

In this case, the author introduces the idea of state programs that don't benefit anyone and line the pockets of politicians and their friends, which is unrelated to the debate on free college education.

By shifting the focus to unrelated state programs, the author attempts to distract from the criticism of their view and create a diversionary argument.

Hope this helps!