Slippery Slope

This fallacy is committed when the arguer claims that his position must be preferred because the only other position will lead to a chain of events leading to undesirable consequences. It is a fallacy if in fact the chain of events is not likely to occur.

We should outlaw pornography. The continued manufacture of this material will lead to an increase in crimes such as rape and incest. This will gradually erode the moral fabric of society, resulting in increased crimes of all sorts. Soon, we will be facing the complete collapse of law and order, and perhaps the end of civilization.

Attempts to outlaw pornography should be abandoned. If pornography is outlawed, then this will open the door to censorship of newspapers and magazines. Then we will see textbooks and university curricula censored as well. Then the government will be in the business of maintaining complete mind control over us all.

We should pay to have the hole in the dam fixed immediately. If we do not, then the water levels will continue to rise, overflowing the banks of the river. Eventually, the entire valley will be flooded, and the town will be under water. Surely we can't allow this to happen.