Fallacies

Question 1

Fallacy

Answer 1

Defects that weaken arguments

Question 2

Hasty Generalization

Answer 2

Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate.

Question 3

Missing the Point

Answer 3

Premises of an argument do support a particular conclusion - but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws

Question 4

Post Hoc

Answer 4

Assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B. Of course, sometimes one event really does cause another one that comes later.

Question 5

Slippery Slope

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Weak Anology

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Appeal to Authority

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Straw Man

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Red Herring

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

False Dichotomy

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Fallacies of Relevance

Answer 11

These fallacies appeal to evidence or examples that are not relevant to the argument at hand.

Question 12

Appeal to Force

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Genetic Fallacy

Answer 13

The genetic fallacy is the claim that an idea, product, or person must be untrustworthy because of its racial, geographic, or ethnic origin.

Question 14

Personal Attack

Answer 14

Attacking or praising the people who make an argument, rather than discussing the argument itself.

Question 15

Abusive

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Circumstantial

Answer 16

To argue that an opponent should accept or reject an argument because of circumstances in his or her life.

Question 17

Argumentum ad Populum

Answer 17

Using an appeal to popular assent, often by arousing the feelings and enthusiasm of the multitude rather than building an argument.

Question 18

Bandwagon Approach

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Patriotic Approach

Answer 19

This argument asserts that a certain stance is true or correct because it is somehow patriotic, and that those who disagree are unpatriotic.

Question 20

Snob Approach

Answer 20

The type of argumentum ad populum doesn’t assert “everybody is doing it,” but rather that “all the best people are doing it.”

Question 21

Appeal to Tradition

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Appeal to Improper Authority

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Appeal to Emotion

Answer 23

An emotional appeal concerning what should be a logical issue during a debate.

Question 24

Argument from Adverse Consequences

Answer 24

Asserting that an argument must be false because the implications of it being true would create negative results.

Question 25

Argument from Personal Incredulity

Answer 25

Asserting that opponent’s argument must be false because you personally don’t understand it or can’t follow its technicalities.