The Legacy Exchange: Alumnae Lecture Series - Logical Fallacies in Scientific Thinking
On 4 November 2025, the Postgraduate and Undergraduate Departments of Psychology at Loreto College jointly hosted an insightful session under The Legacy Exchange: Alumnae Lecture Series. The lecture, titled Logical Fallacies in Scientific Thinking, was graced by the presence of the Heads of both departments, along with esteemed members of the faculty.
The session was conducted by Ms. Sanghamitra Gupta, Lecturer and Clinical Practitioner at Help University, Malaysia. The programme commenced with a formal introduction and felicitations offered by Dr. Dinaz R. Jeejeebhoy, Head of the MA/M.Sc. Psychology Department, Loreto College, setting an atmosphere of academic reverence.
Ms. Gupta's address offered a lucid and comprehensive exploration of logical fallacies, subtle yet impactful errors in reasoning which frequently influence both scientific discourse and everyday conversation. With exceptional clarity and poise, she explained key fallacies including ad hominem, false dichotomy, red herring, slippery slope, relevance, ambiguity, circular reasoning, straw man, and strategic argument techniques. Her use of relatable examples and real-world contexts enabled participants to easily recognise how such fallacies surface within common reasoning patterns, often go unnoticed.
The lecture underscored the importance of cultivating critical thinking and maintaining intellectual discipline when constructing arguments. Participants were encouraged to evaluate information thoughtfully, identify weak or misleading reasoning, and articulate stronger, evidence-based perspectives. This emphasis on analytical rigour offered valuable skills not only for academic work, but also for interpersonal communication and informed civic engagement.
The session culminated in an engaging interactive discussion. During the Q&A segment, students sought clarification and presented everyday scenarios, prompting nuanced explanations from Ms. Gupta. Her responses were marked by insight, patience, and an earnest commitment to nurturing thoughtful inquiry.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Jeejeebhoy, expressing gratitude to Ms. Gupta for her contribution and to the participants for their enthusiasm. In essence, this session proved both intellectually enriching and practically relevant. It reinforced the value of logical clarity, encouraged reflective thinking, and strengthened our ability to engage in sound, reasoned discourse. The lecture served as a timely reminder that responsible thinking is foundational to meaningful scholarship and balanced dialogue.
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