Fallacies

Question 1

Fallacy of composition

Answer 1

Assuming that what is true for the part is true for the whole

Question 2

Common cause fallacy

Answer 2

Assuming that one thing causes another when in fact a third factor is the cause of both

Question 3

Post hoc fallacy

Answer 3

Assuming that because one event occurred before another, the first is the cause of the second

Question 4

Non Sequitur fallacy

Answer 4

A claim that on its face is unrelated to the supporting material

Question 5

Circular argument fallacy

Answer 5

Only restating the claim in slightly different words rather than supporting the claim

Question 6

Ignoring the question

Answer 6

Red herring… making an inference that diverts attention from the issue at hand

Question 7

Equivocal language fallacy

Answer 7

The potential for language to have multiple meanings.

The clarity of language may affect the quality of an inference.

Question 8

Confusing probability with certainty

Answer 8

Speakers may regard as certain what is actually only probable

Question 9

Inappropriate emotional response

Answer 9

An appointment emotional response is sometimes more important than the details of the inference