Web Assignment 3: Reason

Five Common Thinking Errors in everyday life

Mike and Daniel have just received their Algrebra 2 tests back, and while Mike did well, Daniel failed. Daniel accuses Mike of cheating and they begin to argue about it.
"Dude, Dan, how did you do on that algebra test?". Asked Mike "Steve, I totally bombed it, my parents are going to be so mad." moaned Daniel "Thats too bad, because I got an A+!!" Daniel looked with envy at Mike and said, "The only reason you did good is because you cheated".*1 Mike was shocked at this remark and responded, "Why would I cheat, I know I'm not good in this class, but I studied hard and got what I deserved." Daniel couldn't believe what he was hearing "How can you say that when you don't even know how to study."*2 "All kids like you have to cheat, so just admit it."*3 Just the Mrs. Elliot was walking out of the classroom and was appalled when she heard the word "cheat". "Did I hear cheating?" Asked Mrs. Elliot. "Actually you did Mrs. Elliot, because Mike has got something to tell you. He cheated on the test." Mrs. Elliot looked in disbelief "Why would Mike do something like this, Daniel?" Daniel stuttered for a moment "Well,uhhhhh...Mike cheated, because it is something Mike does."*4 Mike was about to explode. "Oh come on Dan the only reason you're accusing me is because you know Sarah likes me and your jealous"*5

*1-Here Daniel is using a Non Sequitor, because Mike's grade has nothing to do with cheating.
*2- Daniel is using an Ad Hominem here to attack Mike, because he isnt as smart as Daniel.
*3-Daniel is basing his judgement on a vague premisses, just because Mike is not that good in math then he has obviously cheated.
*4-Daniel is beggig the question, because his reasoning has no answer he is just repeating his argument.
*5-Mike is using a red herring to get Daniel off his back, because he knows Daniel is sensitive about this subject.