Logical Fallacies

Question 0

Post hoc example

Answer 0

If I washed my car on Tuesday, and it rains Wednesday, i say I will never wash my car on Tuesday again.

Question 1

Post hoc

Answer 1

When one assumes a cause-effect relationship exists simply because one event preceded another

Question 2

Non Sequitur

Answer 2

When a statement has no logical connection to the evidence cited

Question 3

Non sequitur example

Answer 3

Millions of Americans own cars, so there is no need for public transportation

Question 4

Ad Hominem

Answer 4

When a person is attacked rather than the point of view

Question 5

Ad hominem example

Answer 5

When a candidate is attacked for something he or she did and it is said not to vote for him

Question 6

Appeal to questionable authorities

Answer 6

Weakens argument and arouses suspicion- uses vague terminology such as “experts say” “studies show”

Question 7

Appeals to questionable authorities example

Answer 7

“A doctor said to exercise five hours each day.” As opposed to, “renowned Dr. So and So said we should…”

Question 8

Begging the question

Answer 8

Failure to establish proof on a debatable point

Question 9

Begging question example

Answer 9

The American flag inspires a sense of unity and brotherhood throughout all nations

Question 10

False analogy

Answer 10

When two things have one common characteristic and one assumes that they are alike in all respects

Question 11

False analogy example

Answer 11

Siblings in school

Question 12

Either or fallacy

Answer 12

When one believes that a viewpoint of course of action will have only 1 of two opposing consequences

Either totally this or totally that

Question 13

Either or fallacy example

Answer 13

Come to this party, or we won’t be friends anymore.

Question 14

Red herring

Answer 14

Intentional discretion from the issue - ploy to divert attention from matter at hand

Question 15

Red herring example

Answer 15

If farmers are exposed to pesticide, and you argue that many farmers are illegal immigrants

Question 16

Glittering generalities

Answer 16

When words surround a product or idea that are vague or hard to define - they arouse positive feelings

Question 17

Glittering generalities example

Answer 17

“This family friendly movie that leaves you feeling like you are living the American Dream

Question 18

Card stacking

Answer 18

One side is suppressed and distorted, tells half truths, oversimplifies facts, sets up a false target- distracts from issue at hand

Question 19

Card stacking example

Answer 19

When candidate says that his opposing candidate has changed his mind on an issue 5 times. People simply assume he is correct, and don’t go back and check for evidence and truth