Logical Fallacies Flashcards
Appeal to pity
This type of fallacy uses the audiences’s sympathy, concern, or guilt in order to overwhelm their sense of logic
What is an example of appealing to pity?
“I deserve to pass this course because I’ve had a lot of problems at home.”
Appeal to prejudice
Using loaded or emotive terms to attach value or moral goodness to believing the proposition. Racist, sexist, classist, and homophobic language can be used to incite a crowd—should be avoided
What is an example of appealing to prejudice?
A newspaper that creates a patriotic frenzy through exaggerated reports of enemy “atrocities,” or a political that claims her was raised in “this great state” and loves his children and wife. These facts appeal to voter but have nothing to do with his performance in office.
Appeal to tradition
A fallacy which assumes that something old is automatically better than something new. Fallacious when tradition becomes the only reason for justifying a position.
What is an example of appealing to tradition?
“This is the way it always has been, so this is the way it always should be.”
Arguing by analogy
An analogy is a comparison that works on more than one level, and it’s possible to use an analogy effectively when reasoning inductively, but fallacious if the two things being compared don’t have several relevant characteristics in common.
What is an example of arguing by analogy?
A good football player makes a good politician because of teamwork (BAD EXAMPLE).
Competition is good for schools because competition is good for business (GOOD EXAMPLE).
What fallacy is commonly referred to as an “ad hominem”?
Attacking the character of opponents
Attacking the character of opponents
A fallacy that attacks the character of the opponent rather than dealing with the real issue of the dispute.
Attributing false causes
Assuming that something is merely the result of something that came before it.
What fallacy is commonly referred to as a “post hoc fallacy”?
Attributing false causes
What is an example of attributing false causes?
“The economy started going bad after the eclipse last month.”
Attributing guilt by association
Frequently in politics, especially towards the end of a campaign.
What is an example of attributing guilt by association?
“A candidate who is religious is held accountable for the actions of all men and women who hold to that particular faith.”
Begging the question/circular reasoning
The writer begins with a premise that is acceptable only to anyone who will agree with the conclusion that is subsequently the premise itself.
What is an example of begging the question/circular reasoning?
Beginning an essay with “required courses like first year composition are a waste of time” and concluding with “first-year composition should not be a required course.”
Equivocating
Using vague or ambiguous language to mislead, often taking the form of using one word in several different senses without acknowledging the change in meaning.
What is an example of equivocating?
“Right, society, justice, freedom law, real”make sure the meaning is clear.
Ignoring the question
A speaker’s attempt to divert the attention of the audience from the matter at hand
What is an example of ignoring the question?
“Never mind the budget! I’m sick of worrying about money! We need to talk about what’s happening to our relationship!”
Jumping to conclusions
When the conclusion in question has not been supported by an adequate amount of evidence (so common it has become a cliche).
What is an example of jumping to conclusions?
“One green apple is sour, so all green apples are sour.”
Opposing a straw man
Setting up artificial opposition they can easily refute. Exaggerating the views of others or responding only to an extreme view that doesn’t represent the opponent’s argument.
Presenting a false dilemma
Writer poses a choice between two alternative while overlooking other possibilities and implying they don’t exist.
What is an example of a false dilemma?
“Would you rather have low grades or cheat”? (you can study to get high grades without cheating)
Reasoning that does not follow
A conclusion that doesn’t follow logically from the explanation given for it (a cause and effect relationship is claimed but not explained.
What fallacy is commonly referred to as “non sequitur”?
Reasoning that does not follow
What is an example of reasoning that does not follow?
“Mr. Bland is young, so he’ll make a good teacher.”
Sliding down a slippery slope
One step inevitably leads to an undesirable end.
What is an example of a slippery slope?
“Legalizing abortions will lead to legalizing euthanasia.”
