logical fa Flashcards
False Cause
When someone incorrectly identifies the cause of something.
False cause example
Example: “Dinosaurs ate plants and are extinct so we shouldn’t either.”
Strawman
When someone manipulates an argument so it is easier to attack.
Strawman Example
Sporks are better contradicted by: I cannot believe you would want to put all the spoons and forks workers out of business.
Circular Reasoning
Someone including the conclusion as part of their reasoning.
Circular Reasoning Example
Ghosts exist because I saw a ghost in my closet.
False Dichotomy
When something is presented as an either or question when it could be on a spectrum.
False Dichotomy Example
Becka rings the doorbell and thinks he either answers and is home or doesn’t and isn’t home while he could be sleeping or doing many other things.
Appeal to Authority
When something is said to be true because an expert said so, qualified or not.
Appeal to Authority Example
My sister is a teacher and she says her kids goof around all the time; therefore, they would not be able to vote.
Slippery Slope
When someone argues that a small change will have a disastrous impact.
Slippery Slope Example
If they build that skatepark then there will never be peace and quiet in the town ever again.
Appeal to Tradition
When something is argued to be true because it has always been that way.
Appeal to Tradition Example
Back in my day we used to walk to school both ways; if we fund public transit we are dooming our kids to a life of laziness.
Ad Hominem (Personal Attack)
Opponents’ arguments ignored and attacked personally instead.
Ad Hominem Example
More clean energy vs have you seen the size of his truck? What does he know about protecting the environment?
Tu Quoque (You, Too)
A fallacy answering criticism with criticism or turning the argument back around on the other person.
Tu Quoque Example
You criticize me for lying but you have lied too!
Bandwagon
When someone argues that an idea is correct simply because it’s popular.
Bandwagon Example
Does pineapple belong on pizza? “Everyone I know says it belongs on pizza.”
Loaded Question
Question is asked containing an unproven assumption that may not be agreed upon by all parties involved, favoring the questioner’s view.
Loaded Question Example
When are you going to stop lying to the public?
