Isis Unveiled, Vol. 2 Table of Contents, Blavatsky

Below is an attempt to present a more formal table of contents with more detailed and descriptive outlines of all the chapters, which will hopefully serve to give an idea of the logical sequence of ideas and help to locate key topics easier.

For a more detailed summary, see here. 

The first seven chapters mainly comprise a fairly detailed and original study of early Christianity through the first five centuries (with an important comparative perspective that includes Gnosticism, Paganism, and Eastern religions), relying on the studies of the time, mainly Supernatural Religion by Cassels (which was a very popular and controversial book at the time, an historically significant work that has been forgotten), with the eighth chapter filling out the history of esoteric movements up to her time. The final four chapters, are more focused and self-contained: chapter nine adds more study of theosophical concepts of spiritual evolution in ancient scriptures that prefigure the Secret Doctrine, chapter ten presents a specific critique of the dogma of the Devil, adopting a Miltonian/Masonic esoteric interpretation of the fall of Lucifer, chapter eleven gives a solid comparative overview of Hindusim, Christianity, and Buddhism while chapter twelve serves as a general conclusion for both volumes, emphasizing magical practices found in eastern religions.

Chapter 1 Christianity’s relation to Spiritualism and Paganism

(The Church! Where is it?”) 

1- Christianity’s attitude towards paganism and spiritualism (p.1)

2- Origin of Christian belief in the Devil and Hell (10)

3- Christianity’s relation to the Supernatural (16)

4- The attitude of Science and Comparative Religion to Spiritualism (25)

5- India and Paganism as source of Christian theology (The logos, the Trinity, the Eucharist) (30)

6- Christianity’s struggles with Gnostics and Neoplatonists (51)

 

Chapter 2 – Christianity’s Relation to Pagan Practices; Pagan Mysteries compared to Christianity and Hinduism

(Christian Crimes and Heathen Virtues)

1- Magical Practices in Roman Catholic Church (55)

2- Persecution of Witchcraft and the Spanish Inquisition (59)

3-Exorcisms (66)

4- Mystical Visions in the Church (73)

5- Fabulations and Deceptions in the Medieval Church (79)

6- Pagan Influence on Christianity (84)

7- Pagan Mysteries compared to Christianity and Hinduism (97)

8 – Phallic Symbolism (120)

 

Chapter 3- Overview of Early Gnosticism in Relation to Nazarene Groups 

(Divisions Among the Early Christians)

1- Peter and the Myth of Apostolic Succession (p.123)

2- Nazarenes in Relation to Ebionites and Essenes (127)

3- Jehovistic and Chaldean currents in Judaism (128)

4- John the Baptist’s relation to Nazarenes (132)

5- Jesus’ relation to Nazarenes (137)

6- Zoroastrian connection to Nazarenes (140)

7- Essenes and Mystery Religions in relation to Nazarenes (143)

8- Jesus and the Ancient Portrayal of Magicians (147)

 

Chapter 4 – Eastern and Gnostic Cosmologies compared; Conflicts in the Early Christian Church 

(Oriental Cosmogonies and Bible Records)

1- The Ophite Theology compared with Indian and Near Eastern systems (167)

2- Conflict between Peter and Paul – Jehovists and Gnostics (188)

3- Essenes and Nazarenes (196)

 

Chapter 5 – The Kabbalah and Comparative Religion 

(Mysteries of the Kabala)

1- Sefirots compared (212)

2- Kabbalistic Trinity Compared (222)

3- Four-Face Cherubim and World Saviours Compared (230)

 

Chapter 6 – Comparative Cosmology and Soul Evolution 

(Esoteric Doctrines of Buddhism Parodied in Christianity)

1- Development of Christianity in the fourth Century (251)

2- Comparative Ancient Cosmology (260)

3- Eastern Doctrine of Cycles and Evolution (272)

4- The Evolution of the Soul in Ancient Greece and Buddhism (279)

 

Chapter 7 – Gnosticism, Early Christianity, Buddhism and the Secret Doctrine

(Early Christian Heresies and Secret Societies)

1- Ophites and Mandaen systems (289)

2- Druzes (303)

3- Early Christianity (323)

 

Chapter 8 – Jesuits, Templars, Rosicrucians, Masons, and the Lost Word 

(Jesuitry and Masonry)

1- The Jesuits (348)

2- Masonry (366)

 

Chapter 9 Principles of Esoteric Evolution: Symbolism and Astrology in the Bible and the Vedas 

(The Vedas and the Bible)

1- Seven in Ancient Scriptures (405)

2- Symbolism in Genesis (420)

3- Ezekiel’s Wheel Astrological Symbolism (455)

 

Chapter 10 – The Origin and History of the Dogma of Satan 

(The Devil-Myth)

1- Eternal Damnation / Christian Missionaries (473)

2-Dogma of the existence of Satan (476)

3- Biblical Passages (480)

4- Serpent-Dragon Pagan Sources (482)

5- Job (493)

6- Demons / Church History (500)

7- Avatars (503)

8- Sun and Dragon Myths / Hell (506)

9- Descent into Hell / Gospel of Nicodemus (514)

10- Israelites and Saturn (523)

11- Judaism and Christian Theology (525)

12- Bacchus (527)

 

Chapter 11– Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity Compared (Comparative Results of Buddhism and Christianity)

1- Christianity and Comparative Religion (529)

2- Doctrines Compared (543)

3- Rituals Compared (560)

 

Chapter 12 – Eastern Magic, Shamanism and Conclusion 

(Conclusions and Illustrations)

1- Eastern Magic (p.587)

2- Shamanism (615)

3- Conclusion (634)

 

Psychology: 17 Defense Mechanisms

In its long period of evolution, the lower ego has developed many subtle and not-so-subtle strategies to protect itself and maintain a positive self-image (and avoid the impulses from the higher ego). If they remain unconscious, they can proliferate and create a complex web of illusions and delusions. Therefore on the path of discrimination and Self-knowledge, an understanding of the modern formulations of defence mechanisms can be a useful tool. This concept is not unrelated to a previous post on logical fallacies, as they can be caused by a reaction from the defense mechanisms.

Defense mechanisms can be defined as unconscious strategies whereby people protect themselves from anxious thoughts or feelings. They aren’t necessarily bad—they can allow people to navigate painful experiences or channel their energy more productively. They become problematic, however, when applied too frequently or for too long. Most defense mechanisms are fairly unconscious. Some types of psychotherapy can help a person become aware of what defense mechanisms they are using, how effective they are, and how to use less primitive and more effective mechanisms in the future. Following certain psychologists, the list has been classified into three levels, from primitive to more sophisticated.

Primitive Defense Mechanisms

1. Dissociation

Dissociation is when a person loses track of time and/or person, and instead finds another representation of their self in order to continue in the moment. A person who dissociates often loses track of time or themselves and their usual thought processes and memories. People who have a history of any kind of childhood abuse often suffer from some form of dissociation.

2. Compartmentalization

Separating components of one’s life into different categories to prevent conflicting emotions. Also termed splitting, which is said to be occurring when positive and negative representations of self and other are dissociated from one another inside a person's mind. It is often related to early abuse and appears to be a mechanism by which people can preserve some semblance of happiness in the face of very negative experiences.

3. Projection

Attributing one’s unacceptable feelings or desires to someone else. For example, a spouse may be angry at their significant other for not listening, when in fact it is the angry spouse who does not listen. Projection is often the result of a lack of insight and acknowledgement of one’s own motivations and feelings.

4. Reaction Formation

Behaving or expressing the opposite of one’s true feelings. For instance, a man who feels insecure about his masculinity might act overly aggressive.

5. Acting Out

Acting Out is performing an extreme behavior in order to express thoughts or feelings the person feels incapable of otherwise expressing. Instead of saying, “I’m angry with you,” a person who acts out may instead throw a book at the person, or punch a hole through a wall.

6. Denial

Refusing to recognize or acknowledge real facts or experiences that would lead to anxiety. For instance, someone with substance use disorder might not be able to clearly see his problem.

Intermediate Defense Mechanisms

7. Regression

Reverting to the behavior or emotions of an earlier developmental stage.

8. Repression

Blocking difficult thoughts from entering into consciousness, such as a trauma survivor shutting out a tragic experience.

9. Displacement

Redirecting an emotional reaction from the rightful recipient to another person altogether. For example, if a manager screams at an employee, the employee doesn't scream back—but the employee may yell at her partner later that night.

10. Intellectualization

Focusing on the intellectual rather than emotional consequences of a situation. For instance, a person who has just been given a terminal medical diagnosis, instead of expressing their sadness and grief, focuses instead on the details of all possible fruitless medical procedures.

11. Rationalization

Justifying a mistake or problematic feeling with seemingly logical reasons or explanations. For instance, a woman who starts dating a man she really likes is suddenly dumped by the man. She re-imagines the situation in her mind with the thought, “I suspected he was a loser all along.”

12. Undoing

When we act on an idea or impulse that we later regret, we may adopt a defense mechanism of attempting to “undo” that action in order to protect the ego from feelings of guilt or shame. An absent father may attempt to make up for his absence by buying his children a lot of gifts occasionally.

13. Identification

Identification is when we identify ourselves with an image that we see as ideal to our ego. We associate ourselves with groups, movements, and people we see as who we wish to be.

14. Introjection

Introjection is the process in which we accept standards to be true to avoid scrutiny. This can be looked at as an extreme form of conformity.

Mature Defense Mechanisms

15. Sublimation

Channeling sexual or unacceptable urges into a productive outlet, such as work or a hobby.

16. Compensation

Compensation occurs when we do not like an aspect of our self or our behavior, and we perceive it as negative. In turn, we develop aspects and behaviors that we do in fact like about ourselves to compensate for the previously disliked concept.

17. Assertiveness

Assertiveness is a communication posture that exists between aggressiveness and passivity. Passive postured people allow others to invade them, while aggressive postured people invade other people. Assertive postured people defend themselves against the invasions of aggressive people, but do not themselves become aggressive and invade others - not even those who try to invade them. Assertiveness seems simple enough, but actually requires considerable finesse, self-confidence and a healthy and accurate understanding of social dynamics to function.

References

Falikowski, Anthony. Mastering Human Relations. Scarborough. Prentice-Hall, 1996.

www.mentalhelp.net/personality-disorders/defense-mechanisms/

psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-defense-mechanisms#Mature-Defense-Mechanisms

www.verywellmind.com/defense-mechanisms-2795960

www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/defense-mechanisms

www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/defense-mechanisms

www.simplypsychology.org/defense-mechanisms.html

www.tonyrobbins.com/mind-meaning/10-common-defense-mechanisms/

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/defense-mechanisms

www.psychologistworld.com/freud/defence-mechanisms-list

Back to Basics - FAQ

Theosophy, as presented in the original literature in its early phase, from 1875 to 1900, has quite a vast scope of teachings, which we have been covering in our Theosophy Basics series, with over 25 posts. I thought it would be useful to give some links to the more essential ones dealing with the basic principles, values and practical aspects. I think that just with the first four articles, one can get a lot of useful information in understanding the general nature and distinctive spirit of this particular theosophical project. It can be considered as a FAQ post, inasmuch as many of the questions and misconceptions that I notice on the internet pertain to the topics in the articles included in this post. 

  

What is Theosophy?

https://theosophyproject.blogspot.com/2020/12/theosophy-basics-what-is-theosophy.html

 

What is a Theosophical Society?

https://theosophyproject.blogspot.com/2020/12/theosophy-basics-what-is-theosophical.html

 

Principles of Action and Work

https://theosophyproject.blogspot.com/2019/01/theosophy-basics-principles-of-action.html

 

Ethical Principles

https://theosophyproject.blogspot.com/2018/05/theosophy-basics-ethical-principles.html

 

Basic Literature

On Studying the Secret Doctrine

https://theosophyproject.blogspot.com/2019/07/on-studying-secret-doctrine.html

 

The Esoteric Spiritual Path

https://theosophyproject.blogspot.com/2019/10/theosophical-basics-esoteric-spiritual.html

Isis Unveiled, Vol. 1 Table of Contents, Blavatsky

Below is an attempt to present a more formal table of contents with more detailed and descriptive outlines of all the chapters, which will hopefully serve to give an idea of the logical sequence of ideas and help to locate key topics easier. 

For a more detailed summary, see here.

Preface – (v-viii)

 

Before the Veil (x-xlv) Basic notions of ancient western philosophy, the importance of Platonism and its connection with Indian philosophy.

The conflict between Science and Religion: x

The importance of a certain skeptical and critical outlook: xi

Finding a middle way between ancient and modern and re-uniting science and religion: xii

A critique of materialism and a plea for spiritual freedom: xiv

Esoteric glossary (xxv-xlv)

 

Chapter 1 (Old Things with New Names) Magic, Sacred Mathematics and the Doctrine of Cycles

1-Concepts of Esoteric Evolution – The Myth of the Fall symbolizes an evolutionary process (p. 1)

2- Sacred Mathematics are key in understand the evolutionary process (8).

3- The ancient Hindus scientific knowledge (10).

4- The need to study the spiritual aspect of evolution (13)

5- Magic as a spiritual science (15)

6- The esoteric concept of cycles,the Great Year,the traditional Hindu concept of the Four Yugas, and evolution (31)

7- There is a primitive divine universal revelation that gradually became dispersed and hidden. (37)

 

Chapter 2 (Phenomena and Forces)– Spiritualistic phenomena, scientific investigation and occult explanations

1- Problems in dogmatism in religion and science with investigations of spiritualist phenomena. (p. 39)

2- W. Crookes investigations; the Katie King case. (44)

3- Accomplishments of ancient science; malleable glass; occult aspects of matter. (50)

4- The nature of forces or intelligences behind spiritualist phenomena and the dangers of spiritualism. (52)

5- Schopenhauer’s metaphysics comparable to ancient metaphysics. (55)

6- Scientific investigations on the nature of force and occult explanations of spiritualist phenomena; elementals and elementaries. (62)

7- Critique of spiritualist theory of actors in spiritualist apparitions being disembodied human spirits. Distinction between mediums and occultists.(68)

 

Chapter 3 (Blind Leaders of the Blind) – History of the reception of scientific discoveries and investigation of spiritual phenomena

1- Hindu Magical Feats – (p.73) The magical feats recorded in India cannot be faked or duplicated by western practitioners.

2- Science is hurt by avoiding the study of spiritualistic phenomena (75).

3- A critique of Positivism (75).

4- Scientific Innovations are often met with vigorous resistance; the history of the trustworthiness of human testimony as legal evidence; the value of science as understanding of facts and truth (83).

5- Many modern discoveries (in medicine notably) are based on a re-discovery of ancient accounts (88)

6- India is an important source of ancient wisdom and magical knowledge; creation myths of India, Egypt and Judea compared; the symbolism of the Lotus (90)

7- Giordano Bruno’s ancient perennial philosophy given modern empirical interpretations (93).

 

Chapter 4 – (Theories Respecting Psychic Phenomena) – Religious and Scientific views regarding spiritualistic phenomena; some ancients myths compared

1- The devil as cause of spiritualistic phenomena (Jules de Mirville) (p.99)

2- Material causes of spiritualistic phenomena (Jacques Babinet) (104)

3- Psychic causes of spiritualistic phenomena (Jean-Marc Antoine Thury) (109)

4- The nature of psychic force (113)

5- Various skeptical scientific theories regarding spiritualistic phenomena (116)

6- Roman Catholics consider the phenomena at Lourdes to be of divine cause (119)

7- Ancient myths reveal geological and anthropological truths (121)

 

Chapter 5 (On the Astral Light) Spirit force and matter, and its relation to creation and human evolution and the theory of the astral light in relation to practical magic and mesmerism

1-Fire and Light Symbolism Ancient and Modern illustrate Universal Force (p.125)

2- Water Symbolism Illustrates Primordial Substance (133)

3- Ether in Magic and Science (135)

4-Universal Substance/Force in Ancient Cosmologies (146)

5- Evolution in Ancient Myths (152)

 

Chapter 6 – (Psycho-Physical Phenomena) Paracelsian explanations of supernatural and psychic phenomena

1- Paracelsus as Scientific Pioneer (p. 163)

2- Mesmer as follower of Paracelsus (173)

3-Further History of Animal Magnetism (173)

4- Ancient and Modern Explanations of Animal Magnetism (178)

5- Psychometry (182)

6- Universal Ether and Astral Light (186)

7- Primordial Substances and Universal Solvent (189)

 

Chapter 7 (The Elements, Elementals, and Elementaries) Magnetism as Universal Force and source of Magic

1- Survey of Authors on Magnetism (p.206)

2- Universal Attraction (209)

3- Magnetism and Healing (215)

4- Ancient Theories of Spiritualism versus Modern

5- Alchemy and Perpetual Lamps (224)

6- Ancient and Modern explanations of Electro-Magnetic Power (232)

7- Ancient knowledge versus Modern (236)

8-Magnetism and the Theory of Force Correlation (242)

9-Universal Belief in Magic (247)

 

Chapter 8 – (Some Mysteries of Nature) – Spiritual Aspects of Cosmology, Astronomy, and Astrology

1- Modern Scientific Theories in Ancient Texts (p.253)

2- Astrology as a Science (259)

3- Solar Magnetism (270)

4- Cosmic Nature of Epidemics (274)

5- Cosmic Aspects of Universal Magnetism (p. 280)

6- Elementals and Universal Ether (284)

7- Buddhist Cosmology (288)

 

Chapter 9 (Cyclical Phenomena) –The evolution of the soul , the after-life and Spiritualism

1- Cycles and Human Evolution (293)

2- Esoteric interpretation of the Fall of Man and evolution (297)

3- The Ginza, the Book of Genesis and Human Evolution (303)

4- Elementals and Evolution (307)

5- The Evolution of the Human Soul (315)

6- Elementals, Nature of disembodied spirits, and spiritualism (320)

7- The Soul and the After-Life (327)

8- Psychometry, Theurgy, and Spiritualism (331)

 

Chapter 10 – (The Inner and Outer Man) The Body/Soul Relationship – Elementals, Spiritualism and Reincarnation

1- Mystery and Science (p. 336)

2- Metaphysics of the Soul (341)

3- Reincarnation and Transmigration (345)

4- Witchraft, spiritualism, and elementals (353)

5- Mediumship and Magic (366)

6- Epidemics of Spiritual Phenomena (369)

 

Chapter 11 – (Psychological and physical marvels) Esoteric Aspects of Embryology, the Will, and Imagination

1- Phenomena of Invulnerability (p.378)

2- The Mysteries of Embryology (384)

3- A Critique of the Despotism of Science and Scientific Methodology (403)

4- Strange Accounts of Ancient Science Validated by Modern Discoveries (411)

 

Chapter 12 – (The Impassable Chasm) The After-Life and Esoteric Aspects of Vampirism

1- Huxley and Tyndall on Modern Science (p. 417)

2- Instinct and Reason; Spiritualism and Materialism (422)

3- Eastern Magic (437)

4- Esoteric Aspects of Vampires (449)

 

Chapter 13 (Realities and Illusion) The After-Life: After-Death Revival and Alchemy

1- The coherence of magic and alchemy (p. 461)

2- Psychic Nature of Animals ( 467)

3- Eastern Magic (471)

4- Re-animation of the Dead (475)

5- Mediumship and Mediatorship (485)

6- Ancient and Modern Spiritualistic Phenomena (491)

7- Levitation (496)

8- Alchemy on the Elixir of Life, the Universal Solvent and the Philosopher’s Stone (502)

9- Ancient Science validated by Modern Discoveries (510)

 

Chapter 14–(Egyptian Wisdom) Egypt, Atlantis and Sacred Architecture

1- Advanced Technology of Egypt (520)

2- The Near East, Ancient America and the Legend of Atlantis (545)

3- Comparative Sacred Architecture

 

Chapter 15 – (India the cradle of the race) India, Atlantis and Eastern Magical Knowledge

1- The Secret Doctrine and Genesis (p. 575)

2- India, the Cradle of Civilisation (580)

3- Atlantis (591)

4- Asian Magical Knowledge (600)

5- Modern Spiritualism and Ancient Theory (607)

6- Accomplishments of Ancient India (618)

 

Book 2 

Isis Unveiled, Vol. 1 Overview, Blavatsky

The presentation of Blavatsky's Isis Unveiled may give the impression that the work is loosely organized, but as Michael Gomes has pointed out, a closer reading shows that this is not necessarily the case; the text has a clear structure and coherence, although, due to the complexity and density of the writing, the structure may not be easily discernible. The chart below attempts to show a clearer outline of the work:

For a more detailed summary, see here. 

Introduction	Preface – (v-viii) Before the Veil (x-xlv) Platonism and Indian philosophy. 1 Magic, Sacred Mathematics and the Doctrine of Cycles
Science and Spiritualism	2 Spiritualistic phenomena and occult explanations 3 Scientific discoveries and investigation of spiritual phenomena 4 Religious and Scientific views regarding spiritualistic phenomena;
Spirit, Force and Matter Theoretical Practical	5- Spirit, force and matter; creation and human evolution ; the astral light 6 – Paracelsian explanations of supernatural and psychic phenomena
Universal Magnetism Theoretical Cosmic	7-  Magnetism as Universal Force and source of Magic 8 – Spiritual Aspects of Cosmology, Astronomy, and Astrology
Reincarnation, pre-natal and post-mortem experience	9 The evolution of the soul , the after-life and Spiritualism 10 –The Body/Soul Relationship – Elementals, Spiritualism and Reincarnation 11 –Esoteric Aspects of Embryology, the Will, and Imagination 12 –The After-Life and Esoteric Aspects of Vampirism 13 The After-Life: After-Death Revival and Alchemy
Spiritual Evolution and Anthropology Ancient Civilisations and Atlantis	14–Egypt, Atlantis and Sacred Architecture 15 –India, Atlantis and Eastern Magical Knowledge

Logical Fallacies

Quite often, the internet can be seen as a source of confusion, disinformation, and distraction, although this need not be the case. It can also be a powerful tool of knowledge and learning. In both cases, an understanding of logical fallacies can be useful for navigating the wild waves of the interwebs and in daily life as well. See Irving Copi’s 1961 Introduction to Logic for a brief explanation of what are considered eighteen essential informal fallacies. Most of these fallacies are derived from two sources: Aristotle’s Sophistical Refutations and John Locke’s An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690). As some of these are closely related to others, I’ve narrowed the list down for practical purposes.

 1- Ad Hominem Fallacy

This is when someone attacks the person instead of attacking his or her argument and is sometimes called name calling or the personal attack fallacy. The latin Ad hominem means “against the man.”

Example:

Don't listen to Dave's argument on abortion. He's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier.

Bill: I think that we should increase the federal spending on education. Ted: you’re a fascist, so clearly we shouldn’t listen to what you have to say about education.

 2- Bandwagon Fallacy

This fallacy describes believing something is true or acceptable only because it is popular and is also sometimes called the appeal to common belief or appeal to the masses. The latin term is argumentum ad populum, meaning “appeal to the people.”

Example:

Come on. Everyone else's parents let them stay out past midnight.

Allen's conspiracy theory blog has 20,000 followers, therefore it must be coherent.

3- False Dilemma Fallacy

This fallacy presents only two options or sides when there are many options or sides. It basically presents a “black and white” kind of thinking when there are actually many shades of gray. Sometimes called the “either-or” fallacy.

Example:

If you want our country to be safe, we must increase military spending.

Getting the economy up and running is preferable to preventing a new wave of COVID-19 deaths.

4- Hasty Generalization Fallacy

It is basically making a claim based on evidence that it just too small. Essentially, you can’t make a claim and say that something is true if you have only an example or two as evidence. Also known as hasty induction or overextension, a hasty generalization is a form of jumping to a conclusion. It is an informal fallacy that can lead to misinformation and stereotypes.

Example:

Christine has a terrible experience with a boyfriend. She decides that all boys are mean.

Someone who had a rare allergic reaction to a medicine may advise others not to use that medication. In truth, the medicine might only be dangerous to that one person.

5- False analogy Fallacy

 Like the name suggests, is a logical fallacy in which someone argues on the basis of a faulty or weak analogy. It’s a common type of error as people frequently use misleading and inaccurate analogies to support their ideas and views. It’s also known by a number of different names, including “weak analogy”, “false metaphor” and “faulty comparison”.

Example:

 “Cars cause many more deaths than firearms do, so if we are going to ban firearms, we should also ban cars.”

6- Straw Man Fallacy

A straw man fallacy occurs when someone takes another person’s argument or point, distorts it or exaggerates it in some kind of extreme way, and then attacks the extreme distortion, as if that is really the claim the first person is making.

Example:

Wife: I'd rather have a dog than a cat. Husband: Why do you hate cats?

Alex: I think that a bigger portion of our company’s budget should go to customer support, because we’re currently struggling in that area. Bob: if we spend all of our money on customer support like you’re suggesting, we’ll go bankrupt in a year.

 7- Red herring fallacy

Argument that distracts from the original topic. Some may refer to this type of argument as a "smoke screen." The phrase “red herring” refers to a kippered herring used to distract hunting dogs to test their reliability. Also known as: beside the point, misdirection, changing the subject, clouding the issue. In latin, Ignoratio elenchi, which means  ignorance of refutation.

Example:

President A in a discussion about the debt ceiling: I am not going to have a monthly conversation about whether or not we pay our bills because that in and of itself does severe damage. Even the threat of default hurts our economy. It's hurting our economy as we speak. We shouldn't be having that debate.

 8- Slippery Slope Fallacy

A slippery slope fallacy occurs when someone makes a claim about a series of events that would lead to one major event, usually a bad event. In this fallacy, a person makes a claim that one event leads to another event and so on until we come to some awful conclusion

Example:

If we enact any kind of gun control laws, the next thing you know, we won’t be allowed to have any guns at all. When that happens, we won’t be able to defend ourselves against terrorist attacks, and when that happens terrorists will take over our country. Therefore, gun control laws will cause us to lose our country to terrorists.

Bibliography:

Fallacies – Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

https://iep.utm.edu/fallacy/

Types of Logical Fallacies: Recognizing Faulty Reasoning

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-logical-fallacy.html

Logical Fallacies – Excelsior Online Writing Lab

https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/logical-fallacies/

 

Falikowski, Anthony. Mastering Human Relations. Scarborough. Prentice-Hall, 1996.