Argument Type Flashcards
What is a Causal Argument?
A claim that one thing causes another. Look for alternative causes, correlation vs. causation, or reversed causality.
What is a Conditional Argument?
An if-then structure (If A → B). Watch for mistaken reversal (B → A) or mistaken negation (Not A → Not B).
What is a Comparison Argument?
An argument that compares two things and assumes they share a trait. Check whether the comparison is valid.
What is an Analogy Argument?
Claims two things are similar and will behave similarly. Test whether the analogy is truly comparable.
What is a Sampling/Survey Argument?
Uses a sample to draw conclusions about a population. Ask if the sample is representative.
What is an Ad Hominem Argument?
Attacks the source of the argument rather than the argument itself. Flawed because it ignores the reasoning.
What is an Appeal to Authority/Emotion/Popularity?
Relies on who believes something (or how many do) instead of logical support.
What is the flaw in Correlation vs. Causation?
Assumes that just because two things occur together, one causes the other.
What is a Mistaken Reversal?
Confuses necessary and sufficient conditions: If A → B, wrongly assumes B → A.
What is a Mistaken Negation?
If A → B, wrongly assumes Not A → Not B. Invalid logical reasoning.
What is a Straw Man Fallacy?
Misrepresents someone’s argument to make it easier to refute.
What is a False Dilemma?
Presents two options as the only possibilities when more likely exist.
What is Circular Reasoning?
The conclusion just restates the premise; no actual support is provided.
What is Equivocation?
Uses a word or phrase with more than one meaning inconsistently in an argument.
What is Overgeneralization?
Draws a broad conclusion from a small or unrepresentative sample.
What is a Part-to-Whole / Whole-to-Part Fallacy?
Assumes what’s true of a part is true of the whole, or vice versa.
What is the flaw in Conflating Probability with Certainty?
Treats something that is probable as if it is guaranteed.
What is Confusing Absence of Evidence with Evidence of Absence?
Assumes that just because there’s no proof, something must be false.
What is a Temporal Fallacy?
Assumes that past patterns will continue into the future unchanged.
What is an Unwarranted Assumption?
Relies on a key idea or link that is not supported or proven within the argument.
