Fallacy

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 stereotypes are a common example

Question 3

missing the point

Answer 3

when the premise of an argument is missed

Question 4

post hoc

Answer 4

aka false cause: assuming that because B came after A, A caused B

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 analogy

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

Question 7

appeal to authority

Answer 7

when a writer tries to add strength to their arguments by referring to respected sources or authorities

Question 8

ad populum

Answer 8

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

Question 9

ad hominem and tu quoque

Answer 9

fallacies that direct our attention on people rather than the arguments or evidence

Question 10

appeal to pity

Answer 10

when the arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone

Question 11

appeal to ignorance

Answer 11

“Look, there’s no conclusive evidence on the issue at hand. Therefore, you should accept my conclusion on this issue.”

Question 12

straw man

Answer 12

the arguer sets up a weak version of the opponents position and tries to score points by knocking it down

Question 13

red herring

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

false dichotomy

Answer 14

type of informal fallacy that involves a situation in which limited alternatives are considered, when in fact there is at least one additional option

Question 15

fallacies of relevance

Answer 15

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

Question 16

appeal to force

Answer 16

this argument uses force, the threat of force, or some other unpleasant backlash to make the audience accept a conclusion

Question 17

genetic fallacy

Answer 17

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

Question 18

personal attack

Answer 18

attacking or praising the people who make the argument, rather than discussing the argument itself

Question 19

abusive

Answer 19

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 20

circumstantial

Answer 20

to argue that an opponent should accept or reject an argument because of circumstances of life

Question 21

Argumentum ad Populum

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Bandwagon approach

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Patriotic approach

Answer 23

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

Question 24

snob approach

Answer 24

doesn’t assert “everybody is doing it,” but rather that “all the best people are doing it.”

Question 25

appeal to tradition

Answer 25

this line asserts that a premise must be true because people have always believed in it or done it

Question 26

appeal to improper authority

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

appeal to emotion

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

argument from adverse consequences

Answer 28

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

Question 29

argument from personal incredulity

Answer 29

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