Fallacy Flashcards
fallacy
defects that weaken arguments
hasty generalization
making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate stereotypes are a common example
missing the point
when the premise of an argument is missed
post hoc
aka false cause: assuming that because B came after A, A caused B
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 analogy
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
appeal to authority
when a writer tries to add strength to their arguments by referring to respected sources or authorities
ad populum
the arguer takes advantage of the desire most people have to be liked and to fit in with the others and uses desire to try to get the audience to accept his or her argument
ad hominem and tu quoque
fallacies that direct our attention on people rather than the arguments or evidence
appeal to pity
when the arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone
appeal to ignorance
“Look, there’s no conclusive evidence on the issue at hand. Therefore, you should accept my conclusion on this issue.”
straw man
the arguer sets up a weak version of the opponents 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 whats really at stake. Often, the arguer never returns to the original issue.
false dichotomy
type of informal fallacy that involves a situation in which limited alternatives are considered, when in fact there is at least one additional option
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, the threat of force, or some other unpleasant backlash to make the audience accept a conclusion
genetic fallacy
the genetic fallacy is a 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 the 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 of 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
this 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
doesn’t assert “everybody is doing it,” but rather that “all the best people are doing it.”
appeal to tradition
this line asserts that a premise must be true because people have always believed in it or done it
appeal to improper authority
An appeal to improper authority, such as a famous person or source that is not 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. While pathos generally works to reinforce a reader’s sense of duty or outrage at some abuse, if a writer tries to use emotion merely for the sake of getting the reader to accept what should be a logical conclusion, the argument is fallacy.
argument from adverse consequences
asserting that an argument must be false because the implications of it being true would create negative results
argument from personal incredulity
asserting that opponent’s argument must be false because you personally don’t understand it or can’t follow its technicalities
