Fallacies Flashcards
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What is argument
A process of reasoned inquiry and rational discourse seeking common ground
What is a claim
An assertion that puts forward a proposition that states the arguments main point or idea
Claim of fact
True or not true
Claim of value
Good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable
Claims of policy
When you propose a change
Anecdotes
Knowing what is going on in the world ensures that you will have information for your next argument
Historical info
This kind of evidence can provide background and context to current issues
Expert opinion
We rely on experts because it’s not possible for us to investigate issues fully
Quantitative evidence
Things that can be represented in numbers graphs charts or tables
Logical fallacies
Vulnerabilities in an argument caused by bad reasoning or incorrect evidence
Red herring
Occurs when a speaker skips to a new and irrelevant topic to avoid the topic of discussion
Ad hominem
Means to switch the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the other speaker
Faulty analogy
Focuses on irrelevant or inconsequential similarities between two things
Straw man
When a speaker chooses a deliberately poor or even over simplified example to ridicule an opponents viewpoint
Either/or fallacy
The speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices
Circular reasoning
Repeating the claim as a way to provide evidence resulting in no evidence at all
Post Hoc
Highlights that it is incorrect to claim that something is a cause just because it happened earlier
Appeal to false authority
When someone has no expertise to speak on an issue is cited as authority
Bandwagon appeal
When evidence boils down to everybody’s doing it so it’s a good thing to do
Hasty generalization
There is not enough evidence to support a particular conclusion
Personal experience
Adds a human element and can be an effective way to appeal to pathos
