13 Fallacies

Question 1

A key term shifts meaning during the course of an argument.

Answer 1

Equivocation

Question 2

Force, threat of force, or intimidation is used to coerce our opponents into accepting the conclusion.

Answer 2

Appeal to Force

Question 3

We attack our opponent’s character rather than address his or her conclusion.

Answer 3

Ad Hominen

Question 4

We argue that our opponent should accept a particular position because of his or her lifestyle or membership in a particular group.

Answer 4

Circumstantial

Question 5

The testimony of someone who is an authority in a different field is used as support for our conclusion.

Answer 5

Appeal to Authority

Question 6

In opinion of the majority is used as support for our conclusion.

Answer 6

Popular Appeal

Question 7

Our conclusion is based on atypical cases.

Answer 7

Hasty Generalization

Question 8

We apply a generally accepted rule to an atypical case where the rule is inappropriate.

Answer 8

Accident

Question 9

We argue that a certain position is true because it hasn’t been proven false or that it is false because it hasn’t been proven true.

Answer 9

Ignorance

Question 10

The premise and conclusion are different wordings of the same position (circular reasoning).

Answer 10

Begging the Question

Question 11

Our argument is directed at a conclusion different from the one under discussion.

Answer 11

Irrelevant Conclusion

Question 12

We argue from what is natural to what ought to be the case.

Answer 12

Naturalistic

Question 13

We argue that something is moral because it is traditional.

Answer 13

Appeal to Tradition