Argument Flaws Flashcards
Slippery Slope
Reasons from one possibility, through a series of events that are not properly or logically linked, to an extreme consequence
Unjustified Prediction
A variation of slippery slope. A prediction based on limited information
Post Hoc Argument
Means ‘after this’. Refers to the assumption that if an event follows ‘after this’ it was caused by this
Circular Argument
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
Restricting the Options
Presents a limited picture of choices available in a situation in order to support one particular option
Conflation
Bringing two or more different concepts and treating them as the same thing
Problems with Cause and Effect
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
Tu Quoque
An attempt to justify an action on the basis that someone else is doing it
Confusing Necessary and Sufficient Conditions
An argument that assumes a necessary condition is also sufficient, or that assumes a sufficient condition may also be necessary
Hasty Generalisation
Draws a general conclusion from insufficient evidence
Straw Person
This flaw misrepresented or distorts an opposing view in order to dismiss it
Ad Hominem (Attacking the Arguer)
A form of reasoning that dismisses an opposing view, by attacking the person putting forward that view rather than by addressing their reasoning
Sweeping Generalisation
A generalisation that moves from some or many to all, creating a stereotype. It may sometimes move back to one individual again
Unwarranted Assumption
Reasoning that assumes a causal connection without good reason, oversimplifies causal relationships or confuses cause and effect
Ambiguous
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
Arguing from one thing to another
A form of reasoning that uses a reason about one thing to support a conclusion about something different
Assumption
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
Bias
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
Contradiction
This is a special form of inconsistency. Ideas or facts which are contradictory say exactly the opposite things
Flaw
A fault in the pattern of reasoning that weakens the support given to the conclusion of an argument
Hearsay
Evidence based on secondhand information from another source, who may have interpreted it
Inconsistency
Inconsistent parts of the argument cannot both be the case at the same time, or they would support different conclusions
Two wrongs don’t make a right
A flaw that attempts to justify one harmful thing on the basis of another, different harmful thing
Weak conclusion
A conclusion that is not very specific or tightly defined
