Fallacies Flashcards
(27 cards)
A defective argument that occurs frequently
Fallacy
Drawing a conclusion about a whole group based on an inadequate sample of the group
Hasty Generalization
Argument in which the things being compared are not sufficiently similar in relevant ways
Faulty Analogy
The mistake of arguing that there is a significant causal connection when there is not
False Cause
Mistake of supporting a conclusion by invoking alleged authorities who in fact have no expertise relevant to the claim that’s being made
Appeal to Unqualified Authority
Arguing that because a line or distinction cannot be drawn at any point in a process, there are no differences or gradations in that process
Decision-point
Arguing that taking a particular step will inevitably lead to a further, undesirable step or steps
Slippery slope
Presupposing that a case falls under a general rule when the case counts as an exception
Accident
Incorrectly asserting that only two alternatives exist
False Dilemma
A question phrased in such a way that it presupposes something that has not been supported
Complex question
Attempts to establish the conclusion by using that conclusion as a premise
Begging the question
Hasty generalization
Weak analogy
False cause
Appeal to unqualified authority
Unacceptable premises (general)
The use of emotions as premises in an argument
Appeal to emotion
Rejecting a claim by criticizing the person who makes it rather than the claim itself
Appeal to the person
Arguing that a claim must be true merely because a substantial number of people believe it
Appeal to popularity
Arguing that a claim must be true or good just because it’s part of a tradition
Appeal to tradition
Arguing that a claim is true or false solely because of its origin, where it came from, source
Genetic fallacy
The deliberate raising of an irrelevant issue during an argument
Red herring
Arguing that you are doing something justifiable because someone else has done the same thing
Two wrongs make a right
Arguing that a lack of evidence proves something
Appeal to ignorance
Begging the Question Complex Question False Dilemma Accident Slippery slope Decision-point
Unacceptable premises (presumption)
The use of a word in two different senses in an argument
Equivocation
Arguing that what is true of the parts must be true of the whole
composition
Arguing that what is true of the whole must be true of the parts or that what is true of a group is true of individuals in the group
divison