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Slippery Slope
Definition:
In order to show that a proposition P is unacceptable, a
sequence of increasingly unacceptable events is shown to
follow from P. A slippery slope is an illegitimate use of the
"if-then" operator.
Examples:
- If we pass laws against fully-automatic weapons, then it
won't be long before we pass laws on all weapons, and then
we will begin to restrict other rights, and finally we will end
up living in a communist state. Thus, we should not ban
fully-automatic weapons.
- You should never gamble. Once you start gambling you
find it hard to stop. Soon you are spending all your money
on gambling, and eventually you will turn to crime to
support your earnings.
- If I make an exception for you then I have to make an
exception for everyone.
Proof:
Identify the proposition P being refuted and identify the final
event in the series of events. Then show that this final event
need not occur as a consequence of P.
References:
Cedarblom and Paulsen: 137
13 August 1996
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