Argument Flaws

Question 1

Slippery Slope

Answer 1

Reasons from one possibility, through a series of events that are not properly or logically linked, to an extreme consequence

Question 2

Unjustified Prediction

Answer 2

A variation of slippery slope. A prediction based on limited information

Question 3

Post Hoc Argument

Answer 3

Means ‘after this’. Refers to the assumption that if an event follows ‘after this’ it was caused by this

Question 4

Circular Argument

Answer 4

An argument in which one of the reasons is the same as the conclusion, or and argument in which you have to assume that the conclusion is right in order for the reasons to make sense

Question 5

Restricting the Options

Answer 5

Presents a limited picture of choices available in a situation in order to support one particular option

Question 6

Conflation

Answer 6

Bringing two or more different concepts and treating them as the same thing

Question 7

Problems with Cause and Effect

Answer 7

Assuming that because one thing happens before another, or two things happen together, one causes the other. However, there may simply be a correlation - a relationship between two things which happen at the same time but where neither cause the other

Question 8

Tu Quoque

Answer 8

An attempt to justify an action on the basis that someone else is doing it

Question 9

Confusing Necessary and Sufficient Conditions

Answer 9

An argument that assumes a necessary condition is also sufficient, or that assumes a sufficient condition may also be necessary

Question 10

Hasty Generalisation

Answer 10

Draws a general conclusion from insufficient evidence

Question 11

Straw Person

Answer 11

This flaw misrepresented or distorts an opposing view in order to dismiss it

Question 12

Ad Hominem (Attacking the Arguer)

Answer 12

A form of reasoning that dismisses an opposing view, by attacking the person putting forward that view rather than by addressing their reasoning

Question 13

Sweeping Generalisation

Answer 13

A generalisation that moves from some or many to all, creating a stereotype. It may sometimes move back to one individual again

Question 14

Unwarranted Assumption

Answer 14

Reasoning that assumes a causal connection without good reason, oversimplifies causal relationships or confuses cause and effect

Question 15

Ambiguous

Answer 15

A word or phrase is ambiguous if it can have more than one meaning and it is not clear which meaning is intended in a particular context

Question 16

Arguing from one thing to another

Answer 16

A form of reasoning that uses a reason about one thing to support a conclusion about something different

Question 17

Assumption

Answer 17

This is a missing reason in an argument. The writer accepts the assumption, but has not stated it. The assumption is essential for the conclusion to be drawn

Question 18

Bias

Answer 18

Tendency to be prejudiced against, or in favour of, certain beliefs, or people who engage in particular activities. This gives a motive or subconscious reason to lie, misrepresent or distort information or evidence

Question 19

Contradiction

Answer 19

This is a special form of inconsistency. Ideas or facts which are contradictory say exactly the opposite things

Question 20

Flaw

Answer 20

A fault in the pattern of reasoning that weakens the support given to the conclusion of an argument

Question 21

Hearsay

Answer 21

Evidence based on secondhand information from another source, who may have interpreted it

Question 22

Inconsistency

Answer 22

Inconsistent parts of the argument cannot both be the case at the same time, or they would support different conclusions

Question 23

Two wrongs don’t make a right

Answer 23

A flaw that attempts to justify one harmful thing on the basis of another, different harmful thing

Question 24

Weak conclusion

Answer 24

A conclusion that is not very specific or tightly defined