Question

read these sentences.

about 20 percent of floridians are over 65 years old. older people are more reliable voters and always cast their ballots for republicans. therefore, floridas electoral votes will go to the republican candidate in the next presidential election.

which logical fallacy is used here?

hasty generalization
non sequitur
circular reasoning
red herring

Explanation:

Analyze the argument structure

Using the Logical Fallacies in Reading knowledge point

• Premise 1: About 20% of Floridians are over 65 years old.
• Premise 2: Older people are more reliable voters and always vote Republican.
• Conclusion: Therefore, Florida's electoral votes will go to the Republican candidate.

Identify the logical flaw

Using the Logical Fallacies in Reading knowledge point

• The argument assumes a 20% segment of the population (even if voting reliably) guarantees the outcome of the entire state's election.
• This conclusion does not logically follow from the premises, as 20% is a minority and cannot solely determine a majority outcome.

Evaluate the answer choices

Using the Logical Fallacies in Reading knowledge point

• hasty generalization: Drawing a conclusion based on a small sample size. While Premise 2 generalizes older voters, the primary flaw in reaching the final conclusion is a logical leap.
• non sequitur: A conclusion that does not logically follow from the previous statements. A 20% population share cannot logically guarantee a 100% statewide electoral victory on its own.
• circular reasoning: Restating the argument rather than proving it.
• red herring: Introducing an irrelevant topic to divert attention.

Answer:

• hasty generalization
• non sequitur (Correct answer)
• circular reasoning
• red herring