Question

Identify the fallacy of failed induction in the following argument:

"It is overly pessimistic to think that a global nuclear war would destroy all human life on Earth. The well-known political commentator Glen Beck has presented substantial evidence for this view."

Answer 1

Fallacies of failed induction usually have the following characteristics:

1. Quick to generalize
2. Support a false cause
3. An appeal to ignorance
4. An appeal to unqualified authority

Analysis:

1. It is overly pessimistic to think that a global nuclear war would destroy all human life on Earth. -- This is the conclusion
2. The well-known political commentator Glen Beck has presented substantial evidence for this view. -- This is the argument

First, the conclusion itself is a generalization. We are incapable of knowing the scale at which destruction might take place if there is a global war.

Second, Glenn Beck is a conservative political commentator who provide opinions on theories. He does not have any empirical evidence that has been proven with years of research. He might have a sample set with which he has come to to this conclusion.

In essence, the conclusion is generalized, the authority in the argument is unqualified and therefore it is a fallacy of failed induction.