common errors of reasoning

Question 1

begging the question

Answer 1

Circling back to the original point without really proving anything.

Question 2

begging the question: example

Answer 2

“I got the most votes because I won the election”.
The premise (I won the election) relies on the conclusion (I got the most votes) rather than providing evidence for it.

Question 3

slippery slope

Answer 3

Claims an initial event or action will trigger a series of other events and lead to an extreme or undesirable outcome.

Question 4

slippery slope: example

Answer 4

“If you don’t bring your pencil to class, you will end up homeless” (no pencil > no notes > failed test > bad job > no money > homeless)

The slippery slope fallacy anticipates this chain of events without offering any evidence to substantiate the claim.

Question 5

straw man

Answer 5

the distortion of someone else’s argument to make it easier to attack or contradict.

Question 6

straw man: example

Answer 6

A: “We should divert more funding to those who are jobless because of covid while they get back on their feet.” B: “So you’re saying we should give money away to lazy, people who don’t work?

Question 7

false dichotomy (false dilemma)

Answer 7

simple statement you are either for or against. Opinions and options are limited on the subject.

Question 8

false dichotomy: example

Answer 8

A or B

Question 9

ad hominem (and you too)

Answer 9

an attempt to discredit someone’s argument by personally attacking them. (Against the man)

Question 10

ad hominem: example

Answer 10

Smoker: you should not smoke its bad for you
Person: you are a smoker, so your argument is invalid.
The argument is valid, however it is being discredited because of the person making it.