Fallacies Flashcards
What is Ad hominem abusive?
Attacking the person making the argument instead of addressing the argument itself.
Example: “You’re just a know-it-all, so your opinion doesn’t matter.”
What is Ad hominem circumstantial?
Discrediting an argument by pointing out the person’s circumstances or interests.
Example: “Of course you support lower taxes; you’re a wealthy business owner.”
What is Poisoning the well?
Discrediting someone before they even present their argument to bias the audience.
Example: “Don’t listen to her; she’s always been a liar.”
What is Tu Quoque?
Deflecting criticism by pointing out that the accuser is also guilty of the same thing.
Example: “You say I shouldn’t smoke, but you smoke too!”
What is Appeal to the people?
Arguing that something is true or right because many people believe or do it.
Example: “Everyone is using this new app, so it must be good.”
What is Appeal to pity?
Using emotions like pity to persuade instead of logical reasoning.
Example: “You should hire me because I’m struggling financially.”
What is Appeal to fear or force?
Using fear or threats to persuade someone to accept an argument.
Example: “If you don’t vote for my candidate, your country will be in ruins.”
What is Rigid application of a generalization?
Applying a general rule too strictly without considering exceptions.
Example: “All politicians are corrupt; therefore, I can’t trust any of them.”
What is Hasty generalization?
Making a broad conclusion based on insufficient evidence.
Example: “I met two rude people from that city; the entire city must be rude.”
What is Composition?
Assuming that what is true for part of something is true for the whole.
Example: “Each ingredient in this dish is cheap, so the entire meal must be cheap.”
What is Division?
Assuming that what is true for the whole is true for part of something
Example: “Australian people are good at surfing. Matt is Australian, therefore Matt is good at surfing.
What is Biased sample?
Drawing a conclusion from a sample that is not representative of the whole population.
Example: “Most of my friends love horror movies, so everyone must love horror movies.”
What is Post HOC?
Assuming that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second.
Example: “I wore my lucky socks, and we won the game, so my socks must have caused the win.”
What is Slippery Slope?
Arguing that a small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of negative events.
Example: “If we allow people to buy small, non-lethal weapons, soon everyone will have access to dangerous weapons.”
What is Begging the question?
Assuming the conclusion of an argument within the premise itself.
Example: “Chocolate ice cream is the best because it’s the most delicious.”
