Fallacies Flashcards
(25 cards)
Fallacy
Defects that weaken arguments
Hasty Generalization
Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate.
Missing the Point
Premises of an argument do support a particular conclusion - but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws
Post Hoc
Assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B. Of course, sometimes one event really does cause another one that comes later.
Slippery Slope
The arguer claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but there’s really not enough evidence for that assumption.
Weak Anology
Many arguments rely on an analogy between two or more objects, ideas, or situations. If the two things that are being compared aren’t really alike in the relevant respects, the analogy is a weak one, and the argument that relies on it commits the fallacy of weak analogy.
Appeal to Authority
Often we add strength to our arguments by referring to respected sources or authorities and explaining their positions on the issues we’re discussing. If, however, we try to get readers to agree with us simply by impressing them with a famous name or by appealing to a supposed authority who really isn’t much of an expert, we commit the fallacy of appeal of authority.
Straw Man
In the straw man fallacy, the arguer sets up a weak version of the opponent’s position and tries to score points by knocking it down.
Red Herring
Partway through an argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what’s really at stake. Often, the arguer never returns to the original issue.
False Dichotomy
In false dichotomy, the arguer sets up the situation so it looks like there are only two choices. The arguer then eliminates one of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option; the one the arguer wanted us to pick in the first place.
Fallacies of Relevance
These fallacies appeal to evidence or examples that are not relevant to the argument at hand.
Appeal to Force
This argument uses force to make the audience accept a conclusion. It commonly appears as a last resort when evidence or rational arguments fail to convince a reader.
Genetic Fallacy
The genetic fallacy is the claim that an idea, product, or person must be untrustworthy because of its racial, geographic, or ethnic origin.
Personal Attack
Attacking or praising the people who make an argument, rather than discussing the argument itself.
Abusive
To argue that proposals, assertions, or arguments must be false or dangerous because they originate with atheists, Christians, Muslims, communists, capitalists, the John Birch Society, Catholics, anti-Catholics, racists, anti-racists, feminists, misogynists (or any other group) is fallacious.
Circumstantial
To argue that an opponent should accept or reject an argument because of circumstances in his or her life.
Argumentum ad Populum
Using an appeal to popular assent, often by arousing the feelings and enthusiasm of the multitude rather than building an argument.
Bandwagon Approach
The argumentum ad populum asserts that, since the majority of people believes an argument or chooses a particular course of action, the argument must be true, or the course of action must be followed, or the decision must be the best choice.
Patriotic Approach
This argument asserts that a certain stance is true or correct because it is somehow patriotic, and that those who disagree are unpatriotic.
Snob Approach
The type of argumentum ad populum doesn’t assert “everybody is doing it,” but rather that “all the best people are doing it.”
Appeal to Tradition
This line of thought asserts that a premise must be true because people have always believed it or done it. Alternatively, it may conclude that the premises has always worked in the past and will this always work in the future.
Appeal to Improper Authority
An appeal to an improper authority, such as a famous person or a source that may not be reliable. This fallacy attempts to capitalize upon feelings of respect or familiarity with a famous individual.
Appeal to Emotion
An emotional appeal concerning what should be a logical issue during a debate.
Argument from Adverse Consequences
Asserting that an argument must be false because the implications of it being true would create negative results.
