Question

plugged in, but tuned out: the evil influence of ear buds
darrell thomas
i. invasion of the body snatchers:
have you noticed a change in the world around you recently? have you seen how more and more people are walking around with little rectangles in their hands or pockets with long wires plugged straight into their ears? at the grocery store yesterday, i counted at least twenty people completely lost in the music provided by their ever - present cell phones. it’s as if the old science - fiction movie invasion of the body snatchers was coming true; we are being overtaken by pod people. so at the risk of appearing to be a crotchety old man complaining about the “good ole days,” i have to make a stance against the evil influences of the cell phone and ear - bud phenomena on our society.
ii. a rational and well - thought out fear:
now, i am not a luddite; i have no desire to go around smashing up every cell phone or technological gadget in sight. i enjoy and benefit from technological advances just like everyone else. i have a microwave, a television, a lap - top computer, and a gas stove, and i use them all practically every day. i am not accusing people listening to music on their cell phones of having detrimental effects upon our society because i hate music either. i profoundly do not hate music—but i do, ridiculous as it sounds, hate when cell phones are used to block out the real world.
iii. the dangers and distractions of ear buds:
people who have ear buds in their ears simply cannot hear danger approaching. all they hear is the pretend soundtrack of their lives. people walking with ear buds in cannot hear a dog dashing up behind them nor can they hear the footsteps of a thief or murderer sneaking up behind him or her either. people who drive their cars with ear buds plugged in their ears (an act that is considered a traffic violation in many states) cannot hear a child screaming or a horn blowing in warning. cell phones are known to be a factor in many car
the argument that earbuds decrease the need for live music is an example of which logical fallacy?
a ad hominem
b red herring
c false causation
d circular reasoning

Explanation:

To determine the logical fallacy, we analyze each option:

• Ad hominem: Attacks the person, not the argument. The given argument isn't about attacking a person, so A is incorrect.
• Red herring: Introduces an irrelevant topic. The argument about earbuds and live music isn't an irrelevant diversion, so B is incorrect.
• False causation: Assumes a causal relationship without sufficient evidence. The claim that earbuds decrease the need for live music assumes a causal link (earbuds cause reduced need for live music) without proper justification, which fits false causation.
• Circular reasoning: Uses the conclusion as a premise. The argument doesn't repeat the conclusion as a premise, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. false causation