Critical Thinking: Cherry Picking Fallacy

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Logical Fallacy

A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning common enough to warrant a fancy name. Knowing how to spot and identify fallacies is a priceless skill. It can save you time, money, and personal dignity.

What is the Cherry Picking Fallacy?

(AKA. Quote Mining) When only select evidence is presented in order to persuade the audience to accept a position, and evidence that would go against the position is withheld. The stronger the withheld evidence, the more fallacious the argument.

Example 1:

“I voted for Ted Bundy because he’s very organized and doesn’t let anyone stop him from achieving his goals.”

Example 2:

“Cocaine should be prescribed to all students because it provides energy, confidence and enthusiasm which will help them get good grades.”

Example 3:

“Don’t trust anything from Isaac Newton because he knew nothing about chemical spectral analysis.”

Example 4:

“Even though the Amazon rating on the Sucko Vacuum Cleaner has only one star, user Donna2134 says it’s the best vacuum cleaner she’s ever owned.”

Critical Thinking: Cherry Picking Fallacy
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