IndexAd HominemAppeal to EmotionFalse DilemmaImpact on Decision MakingConclusion12 Angry Men, a 1957 film directed by Sidney Lumet, is a powerful depiction of the American legal system and the dynamics of jury deliberation. The film focuses on twelve jurors who are tasked with reaching a unanimous decision in a murder trial. Throughout the film, the jurors engage in various discussions and debates, some of which are fallacious in nature. This essay will analyze the fallacious arguments contained in 12 Angry Men, examining the impact of these fallacies on the film's decision-making and overall themes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Ad Hominem One of the most prevalent fallacies in 12 Angry Men is ad hominem, which involves attacking a person's character instead of addressing the substance of their argument. Juror no. 3, for example, repeatedly uses ad hominem attacks against Juror #3. 5, who comes from a similar background as the defendant. The prejudice of juror no. 3 against the accused leads him to attack the credibility and intelligence of juror no. 5, rather than engage with the evidence presented in the case. This fallacious argument serves to highlight personal biases and biases that can cloud judgment in the deliberative process. Appeal to emotions Another mistake present in the film is the appeal to emotions, which involves manipulating the emotions of the audience to win an argument. Juror no. 10, for example, appeals to the emotions of other jurors by making racist comments about the defendant and his past. Attempts to influence the jury by playing on their fears and prejudices, rather than presenting rational and logical arguments based on evidence. This fallacious approach not only undermines the integrity of the deliberative process, but also exposes the underlying biases and prejudices that can influence decision-making in a jury context. False Dilemma The fallacy of the false dilemma is also evident in 12 Angry Men, as several jurors present the case as a binary choice between guilt and innocence, with no room for nuance or uncertainty. Juror no. 8, the protagonist of the film, challenges this false dilemma by introducing the possibility of reasonable doubt. He argues that the jury should not rush to make a hasty decision based on assumptions and biases, but rather consider the complexity of the case and the potential for errors in the legal process. This fallacious argument serves as a commentary on the limitations of a black-and-white approach to justice and the importance of critical thinking in the face of uncertainty. Impact on Decision Making The prevalence of fallacious arguments in 12 Angry Men has a significant impact on decision making. the jury's decision-making process. The film illustrates how personal biases, prejudices and emotional manipulation can cloud judgment and hinder the pursuit of justice. However, it also highlights the potential of critical thinking and rational discourse to challenge these errors and ultimately lead to a more just and equitable outcome. By highlighting the flaws in decision-making, the film encourages viewers to critically examine their own biases and prejudices and engage in rational, evidence-based decision-making. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, 12 Angry Men is a compelling exploration of the dynamics of jury deliberation, and the prevalence of fallacious arguments in the film serves to highlight the challenges and complexities..