The Effects of Topic Type and Personalization of Conflict on Assessments of Fallacies

• In Event: Spectacles Of The People/ For The People: Constructing Legitimate Authoritative Arguments

Abstract

This study investigated whether people make different assessments of fallacious remarks in conversation, based on fallacy type, topic type, and a trait measure of conflict personalization. After reading conversational vignettes respondents rated the final fallacious turns as to their appropriateness, effectiveness, soundness, and playfulness. Fallacy type had no significant effects. Topic type (personal v. public) had noticeable effects on assessments. Personalization of conflict had some effects, primarily on playfulness ratings.

Authors

• Dale Hample, University of Maryland

• Anita Sells, Western Illinois University

• Ana Laura Inclan Velazquez, Western Illinois University