Fallacies Flashcards
Black or White
Where two alternative states are presented as the only possibilities, when in fact more possibilities exist.
Composition/Division
Assuming that what’s true about one part of something has to be applied to all, or other, parts of it.
Slippery Slope
Asserting that if we allow A to happen, then Z will consequently happen too, therefore A should not happen.
No True Scotsman
Making what could be called an appeal to purity as a way to dismiss relevant criticisms or flaws of an argument.
Genetic
Judging something good or bad on the basis of where it comes from, or from whom it comes.
Appeal to Nature
Making the argument that because something is “natural” it is therefore valid, justified, inevitable, good, or ideal.
Bandwagon
Appealing to popularity or the fact that many people do something as an attempted form of validation.
Straw Man
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack.
Appeal to Authority
Using the opinion or position of an authority figure, or institution of authority, in place of an actual argument.
Ad Hominem
Attacking your opponent’s character or personal traits in an attempt to undermine their argument.
Composition/Division (Example)
Daniel knew that atoms were invisible and that he is made of atoms. He reasoned that he, too, is invisible.
Black or White (Example)
You’re either pro-abortion or not. There is no in between.
Slippery Slope (Example)
If we allow same-sex marriage to happen, pretty soon we will allow people to marry their pets.
No True Scotsman (Example)
You’re not a true American if you do not hate Canada.
Genetic (Example)
I don’t like my math teacher; therefore, everything she says must not be true, and I should not listen/believe her.
Appeal to Nature (Example)
Marijuana should be legalized because it comes from nature; therefore, it must be healthy and good for everybody.
Bandwagon (Example)
The Yankees must be the best team in baseball because everyone in America loves them; therefore, I should love the Yankees and support them because they are obviously the best team if everyone loves them.
Straw Man (Example)
Person A wants to put more money into healthcare while Person B accuses him of wanting to take money away from the country.
Appeal to Authority (Example)
If Obama says we must go to war with Canada, then it must be the right thing to do since he is the president.
Ad Hominem (Example)
No one should listen to me because I am blonde, and everyone knows that blondes are not smart.
