Logical Fallacies Flashcards
Term: Generalization
Meaning: A statement that applies to a certain group of people or things. It could be true or false as it is the general belief of what that group does.
Example #1: All birds eat bread because I gave a pigeon one.
Example #2: Many kids eat bacon for breakfast.
Term: Begging the Questions
Meaning: Giving out a statement without any evidence assuming that it is the truth. It may or may not be the truth as it is more of an assumption without having support.
Example #1: Chocolate is healthy because it’s good for you.
Example #2: Basketball is the most watched sport in the world because all my friends watch it.
Term: Ad Hominem (Argumentum)
Meaning: Making a comment or on the individual presenting the argument rather than the argument that is given.
Example #1: Girl 1- I think football should change their uniforms as there is an increase of injuries.
Boy 1- Football is fine the way it is and you would never know what it is like.
Example #2:
Boy 2- I recently studied in the field of science and in conclusion the theory is wrong
Girl 2- You don’t know anything in this field so why would I even listen to you.
Term: Non-sequitur
Meaning: A conclusion that logically doesn’t follow from the previous statement. It doesn’t relate to the question that was being implied. Non-Sequitur in latin is, “It does not follow.”
Example #1: Joy- What’s the weather like?
Derrick- It’s 5 P.M. right now
Example #2: Stephen- You want to play 8 Ball or Cup Pong?
Lebron- Yes
Term: Red Herring
Meaning: It’s a misleading or false clue/statement which sidetracks readers from what the main point really is. It diverts attention from the real issue.
Example #1: Yes I bought that TV without your permission but look at what it can do!
Example #2: I didn’t do my homework, however I cleaned my room!
