Fallacy literacy training 7/15

Example of a failed argument

“I just saw a documentary about Egypt and they say that 4000 years ago there was a drought that lasted 150 years and caused the death of many, many people and animals. As far as we can see, ‘climate change’ is cyclical and has always existed”.

Let’s think about this statement:

Try to put your beliefs aside and let’s focus on how the conclusion relates to the evidence provided:

1. Why do you think the evidence is strong, or what kind of weakness do you find?
2. Regarding the conclusion: “‘Climate change’ is cyclical and has always existed”. What kind of evidence or how much evidence do you think is necessary to confirm or deny this conclusion?
3. Identify the evidence in the argument. Is this relevant, sufficient, necessary and supported by scientific studies?
4. After this analysis: Do you think this is a good argument or a fallacy? Come up with a brainstorm. Why is it a good argument? Why is it a fallacy?