Logical fallacies Flashcards
What is an Ad Hominem?
This fallacy attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the actual argument itself. It attempts to discredit the individual’s character or personal traits instead of evaluating the validity of their claims.
“How could I agree with you when you lied about your taxes?” This doesn’t address the argument but instead attacks the person’s credibility.
What is an appeal to the authority?
This fallacy occurs when someone claims a statement is true simply because an authority figure or expert says it is, without examining the actual evidence or reasoning behind the claim.
“My doctor voted for this senator, so that must be the right choice.” The doctor’s political choice doesn’t inherently make their opinion on the senator’s policies valid.
What is an appeal to the popular opinion?
This fallacy suggests that because many people believe something, it must be true. The popularity of an idea doesn’t determine its validity.
“The world must be round because that’s what most people think.” The truth of a claim doesn’t depend on how many people believe it.
What is a circular argument?
This fallacy occurs when the argument’s conclusion is assumed in its premise. It essentially uses the conclusion as its own proof, without offering any independent evidence.
“My theory is true because my academic paper says so.” The claim is supported by a source that is itself based on the same theory, so it doesn’t provide new evidence.
What is a black and white fallacy?
This occurs when only two extreme options are presented, ignoring other possibilities. It forces a choice between two alternatives, even though other reasonable options might exist.
“Either you’re a soldier or you’re opposed to war.” This ignores the possibility that someone could be neutral or support alternative solutions to conflict.
What is a hasty generalization?
This fallacy makes a broad or sweeping statement based on limited or insufficient evidence. It draws conclusions about a whole population or situation based on a small sample.
“None of my neighbors have committed crimes, so there must not be any crime in my city.” This generalizes the absence of crime in one neighborhood to the entire city without evidence.
What is the following fallacy: this involves introducing irrelevant information or distractions into an argument to divert attention from the real issue at hand.
“I understand you want to know what happened at the embassy. What is really important is whether the government has enough cash flow to stay open through the month.”
Red herring fallacy.
This fallacy occurs when someone misrepresents or simplifies an opposing argument to easily refute it, rather than engaging with the actual argument.
“You think a social safety net is a good idea? So you want to give away all our savings to people who refuse to work and will spend it irresponsibly?” This misrepresents the opposing view by exaggerating it, making it easier to attack.
Strawman argument
What is the following fallacy: This occurs when the conclusion doesn’t logically follow from the premises, or when a cause-and-effect relationship is incorrectly assumed.
“Beaches have sand. People like sand. I should use sand as flooring in my house.” The premises don’t logically lead to the conclusion.
Causal fallacy
What is the following fallacy: This fallacy assumes that if one group benefits, another must suffer. It suggests that gains or benefits for one group automatically mean losses for another.
“We cannot do more to encourage men to pursue higher education, as this would mean that fewer women would get educated.” This fallacy assumes that improving opportunities for one group harms another, ignoring that both can benefit.
Zero-sum fallacy
What is the following fallacy: This occurs when it’s argued that a relatively small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of related (usually negative) events without providing evidence for such an outcome.
“If we legalize any drug, then all illicit substances will be legal and everyone will become an addict.” This exaggerates the consequences of one action leading to extreme results.
Slippery slope fallacy
