Logical Fallacies

Question 1

Post hoc

Answer 1

Assuming that, because one event follows another, the first event was the cause of the second.
Ex: Taxes were raised, then crime went up, so crime went up because taxes were raised.

Question 2

Red herring

Answer 2

The arguer raises a side issue that has nothing to do with the original issue. It’s meant to distract from the original purpose.
Ex: Grading this exam on a curve would be fair because students and teachers should have a good relationship.

Question 3

Reductio ad absurdum

Answer 3

Using an absolute to make it seem like denying the arguer’s thesis would be absurd.
Ex: Money always leads to a better education.

Question 4

Non Sequitur

Answer 4

An argument that doesn’t follow the premise.

Ex: I hear rain falling outside; therefore, the sun is not shining.

Question 5

Begging the Question

Answer 5

circular logic

Ex: This painting is trash because it is obviously worthless.

Question 6

False Analogy

Answer 6

attempts to compare 2 things that are not enough alike to make a sound argument

Question 7

Either or/If then

Answer 7

assuming there are only 2 sides to an issue, ignoring alternative viewpoints

Question 8

Hasty Generalization

Answer 8

making an assumption about a whole group based on an inadequate sample

Question 9

Slippery Slope

Answer 9

claiming a chain reaction ending in a dire consequence without proper evidence

Question 10

Appeal to Authority

Answer 10

Getting readers to agree by having evidence given by a person the reader is familiar with who is not necessarily qualified as an expert