How can you identify and avoid logical fallacies in your writing?

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Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the validity of an argument or claim. They can be intentional or unintentional, but either way, they can damage your credibility as a writer and mislead your readers. As a journalist, you need to be able to identify and avoid logical fallacies in your writing, as well as spot them in other sources. Here are some tips to help you do that.

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1 Know the common types

There are many kinds of logical fallacies, but some are more prevalent and problematic than others. For example, ad hominem is when you attack the person making an argument instead of the argument itself. Straw man is when you distort or misrepresent an opponent's position to make it easier to refute. False dilemma is when you present only two options as the only possible choices, ignoring other alternatives. Appeal to authority is when you rely on the opinion of an expert or a popular figure without providing evidence or reasoning. These are just a few examples, but you can find more online or in books on critical thinking.

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2 Check your sources

One way to avoid logical fallacies in your writing is to make sure you use credible and reliable sources. Don't rely on hearsay, rumors, anecdotes, or biased information. Verify the facts, data, and quotes you use, and cite them properly. Also, be aware of the potential biases and agendas of your sources, and don't let them influence your own perspective. Look for multiple perspectives and opinions, and compare them critically. Don't fall for appeals to emotion, popularity, or tradition that may cloud your judgment.

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Joseph Edikan

I help enhance Web3 & Blockchain adoption through educative and informational content.|A Web3/B2B Copywriter
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One way to back your claims in any piece you write is to provide or link readers to a reputable source. This is where referencing plays a crucial role. However, double-checking sources and their authority is needed to ascertain a level of trust among the audience.

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3 Use clear and precise language

Another way to avoid logical fallacies in your writing is to use clear and precise language. Avoid vague, ambiguous, or loaded terms that may confuse or manipulate your readers. Define your terms and concepts clearly, and use them consistently. Avoid exaggerations, generalizations, or oversimplifications that may distort the truth or create false impressions. Use qualifiers, such as "some", "often", or "likely", to avoid making absolute or universal claims that may be easily challenged. Use logic and evidence to support your claims, and acknowledge the limitations and counterarguments.

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Joseph Edikan

I help enhance Web3 & Blockchain adoption through educative and informational content.|A Web3/B2B Copywriter
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Actually, every piece is written to suit the audience in question. More importantly, a piece of writing must be able to pass a message and this brings in the four C in writing: Concise Clear Complete and Correct. If a piece of content achieves these, then such content is okay.

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4 Review your arguments

A final way to avoid logical fallacies in your writing is to review your arguments before you publish them. Ask yourself if your arguments are relevant, valid, and sound. Are they based on facts and logic, or on assumptions and opinions? Are they coherent, consistent, and complete, or do they have gaps, contradictions, or circular reasoning? Are they fair, respectful, and objective, or do they have personal attacks, straw men, or false dilemmas? If you find any logical fallacies in your arguments, revise them or remove them.

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Joseph Edikan

I help enhance Web3 & Blockchain adoption through educative and informational content.|A Web3/B2B Copywriter
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Back then in nursery school, we called it cross-checking. Every piece of writing must be reviewed/cross-checked to ascertain correctness. One way to review your argument before publishing is to search for other sources that agree with the argument you have written.

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5 Learn from others

One of the best ways to improve your skills in identifying and avoiding logical fallacies is to learn from others. Read and analyze articles, essays, speeches, and debates from different sources and genres. Look for examples of logical fallacies, and try to explain why they are fallacious and how they can be corrected. Also, look for examples of good arguments, and try to identify the techniques and strategies they use to avoid logical fallacies. You can also join online forums, groups, or courses that discuss and practice critical thinking skills.

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6 Keep practicing

Like any other skill, identifying and avoiding logical fallacies requires practice and feedback. Don't be discouraged if you make mistakes or encounter difficulties. Learn from your errors, and seek constructive criticism from others. Keep challenging yourself to write better arguments, and to evaluate other arguments more critically. The more you practice, the more you will develop your critical thinking skills, and the more you will enhance your credibility and professionalism as a journalist.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you identify and avoid logical fallacies in your writing?

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3

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1 Know the common types

2 Check your sources

3 Use clear and precise language

4 Review your arguments

5 Learn from others

6 Keep practicing

7 Here’s what else to consider

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