I am looking for some help with the different types of fallacies. Here are the two that are causing me some confusion.

The most highly civilized stage in the history of any society is marked by the flowering of the arts. This is because the arts define the very essence of “civilization.” - I believe this is a "begging the question" fallacy. The definition of begging the question is what one does in an argument when one assumes what one claims to be proving.

My 75-year-old grandfather still works his twenty-five acre farm from seven to five, rides a road bike fifty miles per week, lifts weights in his garage, and takes a walking tour in Europe each year. Clearly, 75 is the new 55. - This one I am at a complete loss. I have checked all the different fallacies and none seem to fit this one.

Ad Hominem

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (False Cause)

Begging the Question

Hasty Generalization

Faulty Use of Authority

False Analogy

False Dilemma

Slippery Slope

Straw Man

Two Wrongs Make a Rght

Can anyone help me to understand a little better?

Thank you for your help.

I am looking for some help with the different types of fallacies. Here are the two that are causing me some confusion.

The most highly civilized stage in the history of any society is marked by the flowering of the arts. This is because the arts define the very essence of “civilization.” - I believe this is a "begging the question" fallacy. The definition of begging the question is what one does in an argument when one assumes what one claims to be proving.

My 75-year-old grandfather still works his twenty-five acre farm from seven to five, rides a road bike fifty miles per week, lifts weights in his garage, and takes a walking tour in Europe each year. Clearly, 75 is the new 55. - This one I am at a complete loss. I have checked all the different fallacies and none seem to fit this one.

Ad Hominem

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (False Cause)

Begging the Question

Hasty Generalization

Faulty Use of Authority

False Analogy

False Dilemma

Slippery Slope

Straw Man

Two Wrongs Make a Rght

Can anyone help me to understand a little better?

Thank you for your help.



I would argue the first example is a circular argument. I say this because it is of the type:

A implies B implies A

However, question begging is of a similar type. So perhaps for the purpose of the exercise the answer you have provided is close enough.


Your second example would be an example of coming up with a hasty generalization or a hasty induction based on a limited sample of people over 75 years.


Tut