Dicto SimpliciterAn argument based on an unqualified

generalization(also known as sweeping generalization)

Katie Marr and Patrick Mantoani

Penguins often employ dicto simpliciter unknowingly

http://english102-tamuc-barnes.wikispaces.com/Fallacies

example 1 - Religion

Jesus can walk on

water

I can walk on watermelons

Watermelons are 84% water

Therefore, I am 84% Jesus

example 2 - stereotypes

Usain Bolt is fast. Usain Bolt is black. Therefore all black people are fast.

Those girls are dumb. Those girls

are blonde. Therefore all

blondes are dumb.

http://www.clipartpanda.com/clipart_images/4-sad-stick-figure-girl-47141702

paragraph Katie is cool; ice cream is cool. Conclusion: Katie is ice cream. Is this

logical? The error in logic present here is known as Dicto Simpliciter, defined as an argument based on an unqualified generalization. This fallacy includes everything from illogical penguins to advertising. From these infinite generalization possibilities, there exists a multitude of ways this fallacy can be utilized to achieve a goal. This fallacy is commonly used in commercial advertising. For instance, a company will sponsor a certain public figure, expecting to attract more people to their product. One example is: “Kobe Bryant is a great basketball player. He wears Nike. Therefore if I wore Nike, I could be a good athlete like Kobe Bryant.” Their flawed logic persuades the ordinary consumer to purchase their products. Furthermore, the concept of comparing oneself to Jesus through watermelons is fallacious, however it represents the capability a generalization has to empower oneself or persuade another of the power one possesses. Similarly, stereotypes can be formed by a conclusion reached from an observation of one person; they rely on a sweeping generalization. Stereotypes may be illogical, but they are used regularly in the contemporary world. They can influence one’s opinion of another, consequently persuading an employer to not hire a certain person, or worse, impact one’s belief in oneself. From Jesus to blondes, dicto simpliciter plays a role in molding the mind to the will of the persuader.

Fallacies of Logic● Katie is awesome. God is awesome. Therefore Katie is God.● Patrick looks like Dylan. Dylan looks like Patrick. Therefore Dylan

is a starfish.● The color of communism is red. Ketchup is red. Therefore ketchup

is communism.● My phone is cracked. Some eggs are cracked. Therefore my

phone is some eggs.● People in horror movies make bad decisions, Republicans make

bad decisions. Therefore people in horror movies are republicans.● Democrats are blue. Blue is the color of sadness. Therefore if you

vote for a democrat you will be sad● Patrick is a star. Stars are made of triangles. Triangles represent

illuminati. Therefore Patrick is illuminati.