Logical Fallacies
Logical Fallacies are defects in reasoning that weaken arguments. However, they are very common and at times very persuasive. These fallacies are very common in the media especially in the advertisements (Walton 2). There are various types of logical fallacies but in this paper, appeal to authority is discussed as identified in one of the Calvin Klein ads. The latest ad by Calvin Klein featuring Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner offers a perfect example where the company tries to convince people to buy their products by referring to these two stars in music and reality TV shows respectively. The ad shows Bieber and Jenner flaunting their Calvins. Bieber does this by standing on top of a cement block next to an older woman. In another ad, Justin Bieber is fast asleep in his Calvin underwear and then says, “I dream in myCalvin.” Jenner also does the same but adds the statement “I would like to have you in my Calvins.”
Appeal to authority is a fallacy that is committed when an individual attempt to add strength to his or her argument by referring to respected sources or authorities and expressing their positions on issue presented. However, the supposed authority is usually not an expert in that subject. The argument, therefore, becomes erroneous since a claim by an unqualified person does not provide any justification for the claim. Though the claim might be true, the fact that unqualified person claims them reduces their credibility. However, the fallacy is commonly used since some people have a tendency to believe in authorities. The Calvin Klein Spring 2016 campaign that uses Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner to promote their products resembles this fallacy since the two do not have authority in fashion but other areas.
Calvin Klein is a fashion house that offers contemporary, sophisticated styles for both men and women in footwear, handbags, and fragrance and home furnishings. On the other hand, Justin Bieber is a songwriter, rapper and...