Flaws

Question 1

Post Hoc

Answer 1

‘After this’. That one thing that changed was due to a previous event. One thing caused the other.

Question 2

Circular argument

Answer 2

An argument that doesn’t really establish or prove anything, just goes round in circles. Repeats previous points

Question 3

False dichotomy/restricting the options

Answer 3

When the author gives only limited options, usually with one being favoured and praised by the author

Question 4

Conflation

Answer 4

Confusing similar terms as if they were the same eg. Intelligence and ability

Question 5

Slippery slope

Answer 5

A misleading chain of an argument. Unjustified generalisations that rapidly escalates, normally to the harm of many people.

Question 6

Cause and effect

Answer 6

When author state that one thing caused another. Sometimes can be completely illogical.

Question 7

Tu quoque

Answer 7

When the victim accuses the critic of the same fault. Police pull a man over for speeding but he says they were speeding as well

Question 8

Two wrongs don’t make a right

Answer 8

Justified to committing one wrong act. Sitting in first class train with a second class ticket and than saying it’s fine because other people don’t pay at all

Question 9

Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions

Answer 9

Necessary is one that is vital in order to do something. Sufficient is just enough to do something.

Question 10

Hasty Generalisation

Answer 10

Generalisation reached too quickly, on the basis of one example.

Question 11

Sweeping generalisation

Answer 11

When by using a limited number of cases, a conclusion involving whole groups of people is irrationally found

Question 12

Straw man

Answer 12

Exaggerates a potential flaw in an opposing argument to make it less attractive

Question 13

Ad hominem

Answer 13

Attacking the author. Disregarding the argument because the author isn’t liked or has done something wrong before.