Logical Fallacies Flashcards
is an error in reasoning that weakens or invalidates an
argument. It’s a flaw in the structure of an argument.
Logical Fallacy
This fallacy argues that a statement is true or false based on whether its consequences are desirable or undesirable.
Appeal to Consequences
“If we don’t raise taxes, essential services will collapse. Therefore, we must raise taxes.”
“You should believe in God. If you don’t, you’ll go to hell.”
Appeal to Consequences
This fallacy involves making a broad generalization based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.
Hasty Generalization
“I believe that vaccines are dangerous because my cousin had a bad reaction to one.”
“I met two rude people from that city. Everyone from that city must be rude.”
Hasty Generalization
This fallacy involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.
Ad Hominem
“You can’t trust his opinion on healthcare; he’s not even a doctor.”
“Her argument is invalid because she’s always been known to exaggerate.”
Ad Hominem
This fallacy introduces a conclusion that may sound valid but does not logically follow from the preceding argument.
Irrelevant Conclusion
“The government should increase funding for education because it’s essential for economic growth.”
“We should invest more in renewable energy. It will create jobs, which is good for the economy.”
“I deserve a better grade because I studied really hard.”
Irrelevant Conclusion
This fallacy involves misrepresenting or distorting an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.
Straw Man
“My opponent believes that we should prioritize environmental protection, but he doesn’t care about the economy.”
“She wants to raise taxes on the wealthy, so she wants to punish success and create a socialist state.”
Straw Man
This fallacy involves comparing two things that are not sufficiently similar to justify the comparison.
False Analogy
“Eating vegetables is like taking medicine; you have to do it even if you don’t like it.
“Believing in God is like believing in the tooth fairy; both are based on faith, not evidence.”
“If we legalize marijuana, then we should legalize all drugs. It’s the same thing.”
False Analogy
This fallacy presents only two options or alternatives as if they are the only possibilities, when in fact, more options exist.
False Dilemma
“Either we ban all video games, or our society will collapse into violence and chaos.”
“America: Love it or leave it.”
“Either you’re with us, or you’re against us.”
“If you don’t go to college, you’ll end up with no future.”
False Dilemma
This fallacy uses emotional appeals, specifically pity or sympathy, to persuade an audience instead of providing logical reasons.
Appeal to Pity
“You should give me a good grade. I’ve been going through a really tough time lately.”
“The company needs your support. Think of all the employees who will lose their jobs if you don’t invest.”
Appeal to Pity
This fallacy involves using contradictory statements or beliefs within an argument, which weakens its credibility
Inconsistency
“I believe in free speech, but people shouldn’t be allowed to say offensive things.”
“He says he’s an environmentalist, but he drives a gas-guzzling car.”
Inconsistency
