Fallacies

Question 1

Arbitrariness (bad ethical argument)

Answer 1

Having no reason for taking a position.

Question 2

Tautology

Answer 2

The supporting evidence is essentially the same argument. It is given as a fact that is difficult to argue against. (ie. cheating is breaking the rules, its bad to break the rules, therefore cheating is bad)

Question 3

Over-reliance of feelings (bad ethical argument)

Answer 3

feeling something is wrong does not always mean it is wrong.

Question 4

Partisan behaviour (bad ethical argument)

Answer 4

To favour friends or family simply because of your relationship.

Question 5

Because a respected authority tells you (bad ethical argument)

Answer 5

Experts can provide guidance but can not think for you, therefore this is a bad argument.

Question 6

Self-interest/moral egoism (bad ethical argument)

Answer 6

suggests looking out only for yourself is the ethical action, but this leads to too many issues to be accepted.

Question 7

whataboutism (bad ethical argument)

Answer 7

Sidestepping an answer by shifting focus on something the other party did. ie but what about what you did?

Question 8

bothsidesism (bad ethical argument)

Answer 8

Falsely equating both sides of an issue when one side clearly bears most of the responsibility.

Question 9

circular reasoning

Answer 9

When the conclusion of the argument is an earlier premise.

Question 10

Begging the question

Answer 10

An argument is presented with little or no evidence

Question 11

Ambiguity

Answer 11

An argument that could be interpreted in multiple ways and it is unclear which one is intended.

Question 12

Vagueness

Answer 12

An argument containing claims that are unclear in their meaning. Can lead to the misinterpretation of arguments.

Question 13

Contradiction

Answer 13

When two parts of an argument can not both be true. The most serious fallacy.

Question 14

post hoc ergo propter hoc

Answer 14

Assuming causation due to the order in which events occurred

Question 15

Red herring

Answer 15

Shifting the opponents argument to one related but irrelevant that is easier to win.

Question 16

Straw man

Answer 16

Bolstering your own argument by inventing or mischaracterizing the opponents argument as one you can win.

Question 17

Ad hominum

Answer 17

To attack the arguer rather than their argument

Question 18

Generalization

Answer 18

Taking one example and applying it globally

Question 19

False dichotomy

Answer 19

To create a false choice between two positions when their are many more.

Question 20

Ad ignorantum

Answer 20

To argue that because their is a lack of evidence something is either right or wrong.

Question 21

Burden of proof reversal

Answer 21

When asked for proof and you respond with a request for proof against.

Question 22

Non sequitor

Answer 22

Assuming one thing follows another when there is no logical relation.

Question 23

Bandwagon fallacy

Answer 23

Popularity does not imply correctness