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TED-Ed

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

1,328,943 Views

7,600 Questions Answered

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.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


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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