Mgt-350 Fallacy Summary and Application Paper

Fallacy Summary and Application Paper

University of Phoenix

MGT - 350

Joe Bergeon

11-30-05

Fallacy Summary and Application

        Understanding ones fallacies is the first step in improving on ones decision-making abilities. This allows the person to outsource in their areas of weakness or can make them aware of what aspects of the process they will need to take additional time on. There are many fallacies in the world and each person may have more than one. Concentrating on three fallacies we will be able to identify each definition and give insight into how it affects decision-making abilities. Existential fallacy, Circular Definition, and Conflicting Conditions are three fallacies on which the focus will be placed. Each fallacy will constitute a definition and example for us to better understand how to identify and eventually resolve the issue.  

Existential fallacy by definition is “A logical fallacy committed in a categorical syllogism that is invalid because it has two universal premises and particular conclusion. In other words, for the conclusion to be true a member of the class must exist, but the premises do not establish this.” This is hard to understand but essentially this means that people make generalizations and assumptions when making a statement. For example if a person says that all astronauts are human, then all humans must be astronauts. Another example is that Bigfoot is harmless, therefore Bigfoot exists. These assumptions and generalizations can cause problems with ones decision making process especially if the assumptions is incorrect or the generalization is wrong. If a person makes a decision based upon an existential fallacy with out verifying the truth to their assumption then the process is flawed. As for critical thinking this fallacy is apparent in many closed minded individuals and can be prejudicial in manner. Creating the same problems when making decisions.

        Circular Definition is a person who assumes the meaning or understanding of a term prior the full understanding of that term. In essence the speculation of a term can cause lead to the misunderstanding of a term being used to describe or explain something. An example of this would be a manager describing the tasks he whishes to be preformed by a subordinate. During this description the manager uses terms unfamiliar to the subordinates yet he say he understands what the manager wants to be accomplished. This fallacy leads to poor communication the assumption of terms will cause projects to fail or complicate issues. During the decision making process Circular definition should always be accounted for because it is key to communication. By simplify asking for the definition or describing the term will reduce many complications caused by circular definition. As a manager one should always ensure the terms being used are fully understood by the person they are speaking with.