Examples Of Fallacy In The Crucible

Reverend Hale goes on an emotional journey in the novel. His mind and heart are being twisted and turned when he starts to realize that things are not what they seem. His faith is shaken and watches as Salem falls partly due to his own fallacy. In the beginning of the novel a logical fallacy is set in motion the moment Reverend Hale is brought into the story. Parris takes Hale’s books and makes a remark about how heavy they are, Hale then responds “They must be; they are weighted with authority.” (Miller 36) This reveals the fallacy; argument from authority. It is believed Hale has an abundance of knowledge of witchcraft because of all the books that he owns. However, there is a flaw in that thinking because Hale has not personally dealt

Parris takes Hale’s books and makes a remark about how heavy they are, Hale then responds “They must be; they are weighted with authority.” (Miller 36) This reveals the fallacy; argument from authority. It is believed Hale has an abundance of knowledge of witchcraft because of all the books that he owns. However, there is a flaw in that thinking because Hale has not personally dealt with witchcraft. After this we see more of Hale’s personality. He starts off as a kind man who felt pride in being asked to make certain of the witchcraft and fells confident in his faith and knowledge. He is an honest man and relies on evidence to determine whether or whether not witchcraft is happening. There is no superior motive. “No, no. Now let me instruct you. We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone, and I must tell you all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of hell upon her.” (Miller 38) Hale initially watches and is involved in the trials from a strictly professional viewpoint though it changes as the trials go