Slippery Slope
Slippery Slope
classification : informal – fallacies of distraction
An error of presumption in which one ignores all other reasonable alternatives.
Assertion that any change from the status quo in a given direction will produce a cascading effect leading to an undesirable outcome.
Commonly stated as an assertive imperative in the form: balancing precariously on a slippery slope.
Foundations
The argument contend that event A will trigger a chain reaction of events leading, eventually, to an undesirable event. Considered fallacious if it is used as the primary tool to prove a point. When the proposition within an argument claims, but fails to explain, how change will cause a reversal, or cascade into a series of unwanted events.
Examples
Best never to give anyone a break. If you do, they’ll walk all over you.
We have to stop the tuition increase! The next thing you know, they’ll be charging $100,000 a semester.
Other Names
Argument of the Beard
Fallacy of the Beard
Camel’s Nose fallacy
© 2009, jhslee. All rights reserved.
