Flaws Flashcards
Attacking the Source - Ad Hominem
Attack the argument instead. Doesn’t mean argument is not true or valid.
Terms unclear / Equivocation
Noun - Use term in a different way. Using the same term and applying it in another way.
Definition - to speak in a way that is intentionally not clear and confusing to other people, especially to hide the truth.
Flawed Analogy / Comparison
Sometimes comparisons don’t apply. They are not similar enough.
Appeal to Authority
Outside area of expertise
Causation vs. Correlation.
Saying something caused something because it happened before. Ex. Every time it rains my back aches. -Don’t know-
Ex. ice cream and murder - both happen in summer.
Circular Reasoning
Restate the argument as proof of the argument. Can be subtle. Saying the same thing using different words.
False Dichotomy
Creating a false choice or false binary world.
Ex. Bob’s not happy, so he must be angry. No he can be sad, etc. There are other options.
Confusing Probability for Certainty
Just because something is likely doesn’t mean it must happen or is definitely going to happen.
Confusing Is for Ought
It’s raining, we ought to turn on wipers. We don’t have to. Confusing descriptive for the prescriptive.
Hasty Generalization
Overreaching
Argument fails, so opposite must be true
If I can’t prove something doesn’t mean the opposite is true. Or that it is not true.
Relative vs. Absolute
A is faster than B, therefore A is fast. Need to compare the same things.
Red Herring
Distracts from relevant / primary issue. Might have some truth to them. Deflects or distractions meant to throw people off. Condescending - - someone is trying to get outside the argument.
Traditional Fallacy and Novelty Fallacy
Just because it’s older doesn’t mean it’s better or worse.
Ex. Oh! We’ve got this new program. It’s new or it’s old IS JUST THAT.
Part vs. Whole
That high school team won championship so that quarterback is amazing (not necessarily).
