Logical Fallacies in Othello

This is an example of an unwarranted assumption made by Othello because he, "assumes that one's senses are always trustworthy, when in reality, beliefs and desires can distort perception, causing people to hear selectively and inaccurately," (Ruggiero 99). This means that one hears what he or she wants to hear, and believe what he or she wants to believe. Othello also commits the logical fallacy of unwarranted assumptions whenever he believes Iago's words and claims, for, "Iago is most honest," (2.3.6). This is an example of the error because one of the common unwarranted assumptions is the, "assumption that appearances are always trustworthy," (Ruggiero 100). Just because one appears to be trustworthy, as in the case of, "honest Iago," it does not necessarily mean he is trustworthy, for appearances can be mistaken. Another example of Othello's error of unwarranted assumptions is when he hides while Iago talks with Cassio about Bianca, a prostitute, but Othello thinks it is about Desdemona: "This is the monkey's own giving out: she is persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, not out of my promise," (4.1.124-25). Cassio is saying that Bianca wants him to marry her because she loves him, but he did not promise her anything. Othello thinks Cassio is talking about his wife, for Iago makes it seem like he is, but he isn't. This situation describes Ruggiero's example of an unwarranted assumption, where, "the assumption that the stronger our conviction about the idea, the more valid the idea," (100). However, this statement is not true because it is possible to be absolutely convinced and still be wrong, as in the case of Othello and his thoughts. Since Othello makes these errors in judgment without recognition, it is expected that he becomes especially vulnerable to manipulation by others such as Iago. Unwarranted assumptions are only one of the logical fallacies that lead to Othello's downfall.