Chapter 29 New Flashcards
Arbitrarily assuming what one is attempting to prove as part of the proof.
Begging the question
An argument that has some degree of unavoidable circularity due to the essential nature of the claim, and yet is self-consistent and non-arbitrary.
virtuous circle
A way of reasoning that arbitrarily assumes what the person is attempting to prove. They commit the fallacy of begging the question.
vicious circle
Something that is based on speculation or conjecture for the sake of discussion or argument.
hypothetical
Using biased (often emotional) language to persuade people rather than using logic.
question - begging epithet
Attempting to persuade by asking a loaded question.
complex question
Claiming there are only two mutually exclusive possibilities, when there is a third option (or more).
fallacy of bifurcation
The error of defining a term in a biased way that would not be found in a dictionary in order to protect a claim from evidence to the contrary.
the no true scotsman fallacy
The error (arbitrarily) using a double standard, especially when the arguer exempts himself from a standard he applies to others.
special pleading
Claiming there are only two mutually exclusive possibilities, when there is a third option (or more).
fallacy of bifurcation
The error of defining a term in a biased way that would not be found in a dictionary in order to protect a claim from evidence to the contrary.
the no true scotsman fallacy
The error (arbitrarily) using a double standard, especially when the arguer exempts himself from a standard he applies to others.
special pleading
The error of drawing erroneous inferences from an analogy that is not similar in relevant ways to the topic under discussion.
false analogy
arguing that a given action will set off a chain reaction leading to a particular result, when in reality other factors are likely to prevent that result.
slippery slope fallacy
An informal argument is weak if the conclusion is not likely to be true.
weak
