We’ve often heard the saying, “Far better to let 100 guilty men go free than to condemn one innocent man.” What happens then if we apply the logic of this argument to the question, “Is a fetus an unborn human being?” Then is it not better to let 100 fetuses be born rather than to mistakenly kill one unborn human being? This line of reasoning is a strictly humanist argument against abortion.

Most of the following selections were taken from letters-to-the-editor columns of news papers and magazines. Identify any fallacies that may be committed, giving a brief explanation for your answer. Then, if a fallacy is identified, discuss the possible factors that led the arguer to commit the fallacy.