1. Personal Attack Example: In this article by Zarvana, they describe situations where someone rejects an argument simply because they dislike the person making it, without addressing the actual message. Why it’s a fallacy: Instead of evaluating the argumnt, the focus shifts to attacking the person. This distracts from the real issue and prevents constructive discussion. Link to article: 8 Fallacies You’re Likely Falling For on Social Media – Zarvana 2. False Equivalence Example: This Wikipedia article explains that comparing “wearing a mask to protect from COVID” to “wearing a helmet to protect from ideas” is a false equivalence, because the two situations differ greatly in context and consequences. Why it’s a fallacy: This type of reasoning makes two things seem equal when they are actually very different. It oversimplifies a complex situation. Link to article: False Equivalence – Wikipedia 3. Appeal to Authority Example: In another Wikipedia article, the fallacy of citing a non-expert celebrity (like an actor) to support a medical treatment is discussed. Why it’s a fallacy: Just because someone is famous does not mean they have expertise in a specific field. Relying on their opinion can mislead others if it lacks scientific backing. Link to article: Argument from Authority – Wikipedia Course Connection This week’s reading emphasized how fallacies weaken argument quality and hinder honest communication (Wood, 2020, Ch. 4). As Wood explains, fallacies often mask weak logic with emotional appeal or misleading comparisons, which we can see clearly in these examples. Works Cited Wood, Julia T. Communication in Our Lives. 8th ed., Cengage Learning, 2020. Maxim