Slippery Slope Argument

Two important versions of the slippery slope argument are the logical slippery slope and the causal slippery slope. The basic form of the slippery slope argument is as follows: A particular action seems to be acceptable. But if this action takes place, then another, less acceptable action, will follow. This is followed by an even less acceptable action, and so forth. For example, someone might argue that legalizing prostitution will cause more marriages to break up, which will in turn cause the breakdown of the family, which will finally result in the destruction of civilization.

The logical slippery slope argument is best illustrated by the example of baldness. Removing one hair from an individual does not make a person bald. Neither does removing two hairs, or ...