Logical Fallacies

Question 1

What is a logical fallacy?

Answer 1

A logical fallacy is an error of reasoning that will weaken your argument and, in most cases, undermine it completely.

Question 2

What is circular reasoning?

Answer 2

When the argument is restated rather than proven.

Instead of proving your argument to be true, you fall back onto your original argument as “proof”

Question 3

What is the formula for circular reasoning?

Answer 3

A is true because B is true.
B is true because A is true.

Question 4

What is a hasty generalization?

Answer 4

A hasty generalization is when someone makes a sweeping statement without considering all the facts. Also known as overgeneralization.

Question 5

How can you avoid making a hasty generalization?

Answer 5

Hasty generalizations can be avoided by exploring and presenting every aspect of an argument’s topic.

Question 6

What is a slippery slope?

Answer 6

A conclusion based on the premise that one small step will lead to a chain of events resulting in some significant event.

Question 7

Are slippery slopes typically positive or negative?

Answer 7

Negative.

Question 8

What line of thinking/formula does slippery slope follow?

Answer 8

If we allow A to happen
an unwanted Z will happen,
and therefore, A should not happen.

Question 9

What is a straw man argument?

Answer 9

When a claim is distorted and used against the person making the argument.

Question 10

What goal does the straw man fallacy look to achieve?

Answer 10

The fallacy serves to undermine an honest and rational debate with unfounded claims.

Question 11

What is an ad hominem?

Answer 11

An attack on a person’s character or personal attributes in order to discredit their argument.

Question 12

What is false dichotomy?

Answer 12

When an argument presents two points while discrediting or ignoring others in order to narrow the argument in one person’s favor.

OR

When a false ultimatum is presented consisting of two contrasting choices.

Question 13

What is another name for false dichotomy?

Answer 13

False dilemma and Either-Or Fallacy.

Question 14

What is the purpose of either-or fallacy (false dichotomy)?

Answer 14

Its purpose is to drive the argument in a direction where one specific answer can be given in order to incriminate the opposing party.

Question 15

What is appeal to emotion?

Answer 15

When a writer or speaker uses emotion-based language to try to persuade the reader or listener of a certain belief or position.

OR

When someone manipulates the audience’s emotions in order to change their thinking.

Question 16

What formula does appeal to emotion use?

Answer 16

X is true: think of how sad you will be if it’s not/ how happy you will be if it’s true.

Question 17

What is equivocation?

Answer 17

When an argument is presented in an unambiguous, double-sided way, making the argument misleading.

OR

When a word is used multiple ways to create confusion.

Question 18

What is equivocation also known as?

Answer 18

A double-speak fallacy.

Question 19

What is bandwagon appeal?

Answer 19

An appeal that presents the thoughts of a group of people in order to persuade someone to think the same way.

OR

Everyone does it so it’s okay fallacy.

Question 20

What idea does bandwagon appeal present?

Answer 20

The idea that one must accept or reject arguments based on peer pressure.

Question 21

What is a false analogy?

Answer 21

Also known as a weak analogy, are when two things that are unalike are being compared based on trivial simplicity in order to prove a point.

Question 22

What is another definition for hasty generalization?

Answer 22

When conclusions are drawn from a small sample size.