Logical Fallacies Flashcards
Post hoc example
If I washed my car on Tuesday, and it rains Wednesday, i say I will never wash my car on Tuesday again.
Post hoc
When one assumes a cause-effect relationship exists simply because one event preceded another
Non Sequitur
When a statement has no logical connection to the evidence cited
Non sequitur example
Millions of Americans own cars, so there is no need for public transportation
Ad Hominem
When a person is attacked rather than the point of view
Ad hominem example
When a candidate is attacked for something he or she did and it is said not to vote for him
Appeal to questionable authorities
Weakens argument and arouses suspicion- uses vague terminology such as “experts say” “studies show”
Appeals to questionable authorities example
“A doctor said to exercise five hours each day.” As opposed to, “renowned Dr. So and So said we should…”
Begging the question
Failure to establish proof on a debatable point
Begging question example
The American flag inspires a sense of unity and brotherhood throughout all nations
False analogy
When two things have one common characteristic and one assumes that they are alike in all respects
False analogy example
Siblings in school
Either or fallacy
When one believes that a viewpoint of course of action will have only 1 of two opposing consequences
Either totally this or totally that
Either or fallacy example
Come to this party, or we won’t be friends anymore.
Red herring
Intentional discretion from the issue - ploy to divert attention from matter at hand
Red herring example
If farmers are exposed to pesticide, and you argue that many farmers are illegal immigrants
Glittering generalities
When words surround a product or idea that are vague or hard to define - they arouse positive feelings
Glittering generalities example
“This family friendly movie that leaves you feeling like you are living the American Dream
Card stacking
One side is suppressed and distorted, tells half truths, oversimplifies facts, sets up a false target- distracts from issue at hand
Card stacking example
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
