Monday
Oct252004
Monday, October 25, 2004 at 6:26AM
Fallacies in Logic and Devices of Propaganda
Several times in junior high and high school I learned about propaganda. It was a hot topic because of the Cold War. Propaganda was something the Soviets did. The lessons did examine propaganda throughout history and even US propaganda; of course, we always used it for good. Advertisers were also marked as major propagandists.
Those lessons have stuck with me. It is practical information and I draw from it quite often. Much of my frustration with politics, sports, business, and the media today is because they all shamelessly produce propaganda. Truth is relative and depends on who is the best lawyer or fastest and most persuasive talker.
One man's propaganda is another man's truth in some instances, however, if one keeps in mind the elements of propaganda and fallacies in logic, he/she will come closer to objectivity than if they judge arguments with their emotions and feelings.
I will list the fallacies and elements below and provide the link to the source. It is a brief page or two and well worth your time. Propaganda exists in our government and society, because we allow it. Our defense and offense is to know the difference; call them on it; and demand better. There is great power in a knowlegable electorate.
Read more about Propaganda and Fallacies of Logic
Fallacies in Logic
• The Circular Argument Fallacy
• The Ad Hominem Fallacy
• The Bifurcation Fallacy
• The Argumentum Ad Populum Fallacy
Propaganda Devices
• The Name Calling Device
• The Glittering Generalities Device
• The Transfer Device
• The Testimonial Device
• The Plain Folks Device
• The Card Stacking Device
• The Band Wagon Device
• The Missing Information Device
Our head and our heart function best when used together.
Until the next time
John Strain