Fallacies Flashcards
Arbitrariness (bad ethical argument)
Having no reason for taking a position.
Tautology
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)
Over-reliance of feelings (bad ethical argument)
feeling something is wrong does not always mean it is wrong.
Partisan behaviour (bad ethical argument)
To favour friends or family simply because of your relationship.
Because a respected authority tells you (bad ethical argument)
Experts can provide guidance but can not think for you, therefore this is a bad argument.
Self-interest/moral egoism (bad ethical argument)
suggests looking out only for yourself is the ethical action, but this leads to too many issues to be accepted.
whataboutism (bad ethical argument)
Sidestepping an answer by shifting focus on something the other party did. ie but what about what you did?
bothsidesism (bad ethical argument)
Falsely equating both sides of an issue when one side clearly bears most of the responsibility.
circular reasoning
When the conclusion of the argument is an earlier premise.
Begging the question
An argument is presented with little or no evidence
Ambiguity
An argument that could be interpreted in multiple ways and it is unclear which one is intended.
Vagueness
An argument containing claims that are unclear in their meaning. Can lead to the misinterpretation of arguments.
Contradiction
When two parts of an argument can not both be true. The most serious fallacy.
post hoc ergo propter hoc
Assuming causation due to the order in which events occurred
Red herring
Shifting the opponents argument to one related but irrelevant that is easier to win.
Straw man
Bolstering your own argument by inventing or mischaracterizing the opponents argument as one you can win.
Ad hominum
To attack the arguer rather than their argument
Generalization
Taking one example and applying it globally
False dichotomy
To create a false choice between two positions when their are many more.
Ad ignorantum
To argue that because their is a lack of evidence something is either right or wrong.
Burden of proof reversal
When asked for proof and you respond with a request for proof against.
Non sequitor
Assuming one thing follows another when there is no logical relation.
Bandwagon fallacy
Popularity does not imply correctness
