Logical Fallacies in the World of Work to Avoid

11 November 2021

The world of work forces everyone to think quickly in making decisions. However, many people end up trapped in a logical fallacy or misguided thought. This logical fallacy usually occurs in a debate or perspective on something.

In a debate, it is possible for someone to convey a precise premise to make people believe. Unfortunately, the conclusions mentioned are very far away. The logical fallacy in this conclusion sometimes even makes a business just run in place.

Therefore, the success of not falling into logical fallacies needs to be considered by everyone. It is even more important if you are the incumbents and decision makers.

You need to know the different types of logical fallacies so you don't go wrong. Here are some examples of logical fallacies that often occur in the business world and the workplace:

1. Argumentum ad hominem

This fallacy of logic actually fights argument with argument. However, the ad hominem argument uses facts and logic that are completely outside of the topic discussed. This method is done to weaken the argument of the interlocutor.

Once the argument is broken, a person mistakenly thinks he will talk about the person of the other person. The topics taken are usually very personal, ranging from nature to physical. The goal is to arouse the emotions of the interlocutor to open up new problems.

2. Arguments from authority

Many people use this logical fallacy to win a debate and even make a decision. Arguments from authority say that people who are more senior, older, or in higher positions must have the right opinion. Younger people are obliged to obey it without question.

This fallacy keeps people from finding out the truth or other facts of that opinion. Unfortunately, this perspective is used by many companies or businesses when the decision from superiors is absolute. To get out of this mindset, you as a leader need to give other people space to give their opinion.

3. Strawman

This one misguided thought is similar to Ad Hominem. The other person will respond to something outside the context of the conversation. Diversion of this topic makes it possible not to attack the other person personally. Usually the new topic of discussion that is chosen is very controlled by the other person

The chosen topic is usually not discussed at all from the start. In fact, many of the conclusions are far from debatable. Not infrequently the conclusions made are really one-way.

4. Appeal to popularity

Another view that can also be considered a fallacy is appeal to popularity. This misguided logic often occurs in society because it is something that many people believe in. A person comes to have a view when most of society believes in it.

When many feel that crypto investing is profitable, people start to do it. On the other hand, there are many other investment options that promise the same opportunities.

5. Hasty generalization

Many views that make you hasty in drawing conclusions. On the one hand, the decision is only based on a piece of information obtained. Worse yet, the supporting data obtained is only taken from the internet which has not been proven true.

This often happens when someone has to choose a product that is sold just looking at trends on the internet. In reality, these trends are only created by a handful of people to make you generalize everything.

6. Circular arguments

This term carries just endless circling arguments. People mistakenly think this will just repeat the statements that have been made without drawing any new conclusions.

The premises and conclusions drawn are only seen from one side without paying attention to the other side. The fallacy of this way of thinking seems to be an argument. However, in retrospect, it only restated one's assumptions.

7. Appeal to tradition

When someone is used to something, they will assume it is true. This mindset often occurs in the scope of work. Many people do not want to accept something new because they think the old way is the most correct.

If this happens in business, you will be like walking in place or even going backwards. The reason is, the era of technology makes many people have to try new things to find efficiency in their work. Indeed, avoiding these various logical fallacies requires time and broader insight. In addition, you also need to learn how to get out of wrong thoughts. If this is understood, the decision-making process can be carried out more quickly and precisely.

The world of work forces everyone to think quickly in making decisions. However, many people end up trapped in a logical fallacy or misguided thought. This logical fallacy usually occurs in a debate or perspective on something.

In a debate, it is possible for someone to convey a precise premise to make people believe. Unfortunately, the conclusions mentioned are very far away. The logical fallacy in this conclusion sometimes even makes a business just run in place.

Therefore, the success of not falling into logical fallacies needs to be considered by everyone. It is even more important if you are the incumbents and decision makers.

You need to know the different types of logical fallacies so you don't go wrong. Here are some examples of logical fallacies that often occur in the business world and the workplace:

1. Argumentum ad hominem

This fallacy of logic actually fights argument with argument. However, the ad hominem argument uses facts and logic that are completely outside of the topic discussed. This method is done to weaken the argument of the interlocutor.

Once the argument is broken, a person mistakenly thinks he will talk about the person of the other person. The topics taken are usually very personal, ranging from nature to physical. The goal is to arouse the emotions of the interlocutor to open up new problems.

2. Arguments from authority

Many people use this logical fallacy to win a debate and even make a decision. Arguments from authority say that people who are more senior, older, or in higher positions must have the right opinion. Younger people are obliged to obey it without question.

This fallacy keeps people from finding out the truth or other facts of that opinion. Unfortunately, this perspective is used by many companies or businesses when the decision from superiors is absolute. To get out of this mindset, you as a leader need to give other people space to give their opinion.

3. Strawman

This one misguided thought is similar to Ad Hominem. The other person will respond to something outside the context of the conversation. Diversion of this topic makes it possible not to attack the other person personally. Usually the new topic of discussion that is chosen is very controlled by the other person

The chosen topic is usually not discussed at all from the start. In fact, many of the conclusions are far from debatable. Not infrequently the conclusions made are really one-way.

4. Appeal to popularity

Another view that can also be considered a fallacy is appeal to popularity. This misguided logic often occurs in society because it is something that many people believe in. A person comes to have a view when most of society believes in it.

When many feel that crypto investing is profitable, people start to do it. On the other hand, there are many other investment options that promise the same opportunities.

5. Hasty generalization

Many views that make you hasty in drawing conclusions. On the one hand, the decision is only based on a piece of information obtained. Worse yet, the supporting data obtained is only taken from the internet which has not been proven true.

This often happens when someone has to choose a product that is sold just looking at trends on the internet. In reality, these trends are only created by a handful of people to make you generalize everything.

6. Circular arguments

This term carries just endless circling arguments. People mistakenly think this will just repeat the statements that have been made without drawing any new conclusions.

The premises and conclusions drawn are only seen from one side without paying attention to the other side. The fallacy of this way of thinking seems to be an argument. However, in retrospect, it only restated one's assumptions.

7. Appeal to tradition

When someone is used to something, they will assume it is true. This mindset often occurs in the scope of work. Many people do not want to accept something new because they think the old way is the most correct.

If this happens in business, you will be like walking in place or even going backwards. The reason is, the era of technology makes many people have to try new things to find efficiency in their work. Indeed, avoiding these various logical fallacies requires time and broader insight. In addition, you also need to learn how to get out of wrong thoughts. If this is understood, the decision-making process can be carried out more quickly and precisely.

Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat, Jakarta 12430
Indonesia
Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat,
Jakarta 12430
Indonesia