FAULTY DEDUCTION Flashcards
Discounting evidence arrived at by systematic search or testing in favor of a few firsthand stories. “I’m going to carry on smoking. My grandfather smoked 40 a day and he lived until he was 90!”
Anecdotal Evidence
Assuming because two things share a property, that makes them the same thing. “A theory can mean an unproven idea. Scientists use the term evolutionary theory. Therefore evolution is an unproven idea.”
Undistributed Middle
Applying a general rule too broadly. “Those young men rioted because they lacked morally responsible fathers.”
Sweeping Generalization
Assuming an observation from a small sample size applies to an entire group “This large show manufacturer employs children in sweatshops. Therefore all show companies are evil child-slave owners!”
Spotlight
Assuming that the only option on the table is perfect success, then rejecting anything that will not work perfectly. “What’s the point of this anti-drunk driving campaign? People are still going to drink and drive no matter what.”
Perfectionist Fallacy
Rejecting a claim because of a belief that truth is relative to a person or group. “That’s perhaps true for you. But it’s not true for me.’
Relativist Fallacy
Drawing a general conclusion from a tiny sample. “I just got cut off by the woman driver in front. Women can’t drive.”
Hasty Generalization
Drawing a quick conclusion without fairly considering relevant (and easily available) evidence. “She wants birth control in her medical coverage? What a slut!”
Jumping to Conclusions
Assuming because two opposing arguments have merit, the answer must lie somewhere between them. “I rear ended your car but I don’t think I should pay for the damage. You think I should pay for all the damage. A fair compromise would be to split the bill in half.”
Middle Ground
Assuming that characteristics or beliefs of some or all of a group applies to the entire group. “Recent terrorist attacks have been carried out by radical Islamic groups. Therefore all terrorists are Muslims.
Composition
Assuming the history of outcomes will affect future outcomes. “I’ve flipped this coin 10 times in a row, and its been heads. Therefore the next coin flip is more likely to come up tails.”
Gambler’s Fallacy
Assuming that because something is nicely designed or beautifully visualized it’s more true. “Er…”
Design Fallacy
Assuming that characteristics or beliefs of a group automatically apply to any individual member. “Many Conservatives wish to ban gay marriage, discredit climate change, and deny evolution. Therefore all conservatives are homophobic, anti-enviromental creationists.”
Division
