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Can you outsmart the fallacy that started a witch hunt? - Elizabeth Cox

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TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

It’s 1950. Anti-communist sentiment in the United States is at an all-time high. Senator Joseph McCarthy claims he has a list of communists who are influencing government policy. He makes his first accusation without providing any legitimate evidence, yet the senate committee still schedules a hearing. Can you spot the problem with this hearing? Elizabeth Cox explores the burden of proof fallacy.

Do you think it is difficult to figure about fallacies in our arguments? why?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Elizabeth Cox
  • Director Pazit Cahlon, Hector Herrera
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Pazit Cahlon
  • Animator Hector Herrera
  • Art Director Hector Herrera
  • Sound Designer Nick Sewell
  • Music Massassauga
  • Special Thanks Mahrukh Bashir
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox

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