Argument/Rhetorical Fallicies Flashcards
Argument from Authority
When the writer makes assumptions based on the authority of a famous person or entity, or if the writer is famous them self, then in his own authority.
Argument from false authority
Another term for the same idea as “argument from authority”
Appeal to ignorance
The writer makes the assumption based that whatever has not been proven true must be false, or the reverse. Also called a rhetorical fallacy.
Bandwagon appeal
Same as peer pressure. A bandwagon appeal pushes the reader to agree with a position because everyone else does.
Begging the question
The writer assumes that parts (or all) of what he is claiming to be proving are proven facts. Also called circular reasonings.
Dogmatism
A dogmatic attitude on the part of a writer squashes discussion because the writer presumes that his beliefs are beyond question.
Equivocation
Telling part of the truth but deliberately omitting the entire truth, as in lying by omission.
False dichotomy
When the writer considers only two extremes when other variations, other possibilities, might exist.
Faulty causality
This type of argument sets up a cause-and-effect relationship where none actually exists.
Faulty analogy
Type of argument when a writer uses an illogical, misleading comparison
Hasty generalization
The writer concludes something without enough evidence to support the conclusion.
Non sequitur
Statement that does not logically follow the statement that came before.
Red herring
Attempts to shift attention away from an important issue by introducing an issue that has no logical connection to the discussion at hand.
Scare tactics
Type of argument used to frighten readers into agreeing with the writer.
Sentimental appeal
This argument is an appeal to the heart of the readers so that they forget to think
