For example, the following is an example of a reasonable slippery slope argument:. This slippery slope argument suggests that if we allow something relatively minor to happen now people leaving fires unattended anywhere in the forest , then a relatively major negative event will likely happen in the future a forest fire , which is a reasonable stance to take in this case.
In general, whether or not a certain slippery slope argument is reasonable and logically sound depends on a number of factors, which in turn depend on the type of slippery slope argument that is used. For example, when it comes to a causal slippery slope, the probability that the initial event will lead to the end event should be taken into account , since the more likely the end result is to occur, the stronger the slippery slope argument is.
Accordingly, when slippery slopes are predictive in nature , their validity can be based on an assessment of the empirical evidence on the topic.
As such, while some slippery slopes are clearly reasonable, such as when they include a complete and definitive chain of events, and other slippery slopes are clearly fallacious, such as when there is no possible way to reach from the first event in the chain to the final one, the status of some slippery slopes is unclear and up for debate.
Finally, note that the way a slippery slope argument is phrased also affects its validity. Though people can use fallacious slippery slopes unintentionally, either during discussions or as part of their own reasoning process, fallacious slippery slope arguments are often used intentionally as rhetorical devices, since they can be quite persuasive when implemented correctly.
Slippery slope arguments that are used in this manner often involve extreme exaggeration, which evokes powerful emotions. Accordingly, slippery slopes are often combined with appeals to emotion , usually with the goal of appealing to negative emotions, such as fear or hate, but sometimes with the goal of appealing to positive emotions, such as hope or compassion.
Note that a slippery slope itself can lead either to a positive outcome or a negative one. When it leads to a positive outcome, a slippery slope can, for example, encourage people to undertake a certain course of action, with the promise of a major positive event in the end. Conversely, when a slippery slope leads to a negative outcome, it can, for example, encourage people to avoid undertaking a certain course of action, with the threat that if they do undertake that action, then it will lead to a major negative outcome for them in the end.
In general, slippery slopes are primarily associated with negative events, and as such, slippery slope arguments are frequently used as a fear-mongering technique.
As part of this, slippery slope arguments often include a parade of horribles , which is a rhetorical device that involves mentioning a number of highly negative outcomes that will occur as a result of the initial event in question. Such arguments tend to follow specific patterns, such as saying that if a certain act is allowed in the present, then it will eventually lead to behavior that is similar to that of the Nazis.
Note : slippery slopes that are associated with a positive chain of events are sometimes referred to as representing a virtuous cycle , while slippery slopes that are associated with a negative chain of events are sometimes referred to as representing a vicious cycle. You can use any combination of these approaches that you think will work well. When you do this, keep in mind that the effectiveness of each approach will vary based on a number of factors, such as the type of slippery slope which was used, the context in which it appeared, and the audience it was presented to.
This ends up being like a straw man fallacy , attacking the theoretical consequence of increased crime and drug abuse, rather than discussing the merits or downsides of the safe injection site itself.
Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering. I sense much fear in you. He was talking to Anakin Skywalker, who would go on to become the infamous Darth Vader.
Part of the reason why some teachers are so strict about students arriving to class on time is that they believe tardiness can lend itself to a slippery slope.
Many popular television shows and movies from the past would be deemed inappropriate or offensive if they aired today. A prime example of this is The Simpsons , a show that has been around for 30 years.
When The Simpsons first debuted, the character of Apu was considered funny. Today, many people see the racial stereotype as culturally insensitive or worse.
The typical thought process goes something like this:. However, if you were to follow this sequence of events through to the end, you very well might put on some significant weight. This kicks off a series of consequences:. Babies and toddlers cry a lot, like during sleep training. The strategy leans on the psychology of the slippery slope argument. In a TV commercial , two men are seen seated outside. One of them is eating a bag of Ruffles potato chips.
The other man asks if he can have one. Next he will pick his nose. Then when he gets on the bus, he will put his germs on the handrail. The next moment an inadvertent child's mouth will touch it. And then the child will get sick. Then, his whole family will get sick as well. There will be an outbreak of disease in the city! The cop could not bear thinking any further, and fired his gun.
People who drink more than six alcoholic beverages a day are more likely to have health problems than people who do not drink alcohol. After one drink, people lose their ability to make good decisions and end up drinking more and more until they are drinking more than six drinks each day.
Therefore, all consumption of alcohol should be banned. If Texas adopts a personal income tax, I'm moving away. An income tax at the state level is just a first step to communism. If we legalize pot, then that will lead to every drug in the world becoming legal. I'll vote no on Proposition I don't think it's a good idea to lower the drinking age.
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