Logical Fallacies Flashcards
Oversimplification
This fallacy reduces complexity to simplicity. Beware of phrases like “this is a simple matter of…”. Serious, complex issues are rarely (if ever) simple.
Bare Assertion
The most basic way to distort an issue is to deny that it exists. This fallacy claims, “That’s just how it is. Period” This fallacy shuts the door on any further possible discussion and assumes no need for proof or evidence.
False Dilemma (Either-or thinking)
Also known as black-and-white thinking, this fallacy reduces all options to only two extremes. This fallacy claims, “Either (option 1) or (option 2)”. Usually, one of the options is extremely un-desirable or downright frightening. Therefore, appealing to fear is often a part of this fallacy.
Circular Reasoning
Also known as begging the question, this fallacy coms from assuming in the basis of your argument the very point you need to prove. The actual source of support for the conclusion is not apparent, so the “argument” is just an illusion which appears to “prove” itself.
Straw Man
In this fallacy, the writer presents an opponent claim in an irresponsible manner. Typically, this fallacy exaggerates, oversimplifies, or otherwise misrepresents the opponent’s actual positions and arguments.
Complex (or leading) Question
This fallacy phrases a question in a certain way in order to ignore or cover up an important issue; it might also phrases a question in words that lead or contaminate the answer.
Red Herring
The name comes from the practice of using a stinky fish to throw dogs off the scent of slaves. It is a distraction technique-the writer changes the subject, essentially, in order to avoid confronting the real issues at hand.
Misusing Humor
“Humor” which tries to distract the listener, or which is mean-spirited or mocking, destroys the writer’s credibility- the writer has had to resort to a level of immaturity in order to keep an argument afloat.
Bandwagon Mentality
This fallacy implies that a claim must be true because thousands of people agree with it (or that a claim must be false because only a few people agree with it). This fallacy also manipulates by appealing to peoples’ desires to belong or be accept into the “good” or “popular” group.
Appeal to Popular Sentiment
This fallacy consists of associating a position with something popularly loved: the American flag, baseball, apple pie, kittens, etc… It avoids presenting evidence and plays instead on warm fuzzy feelings.
Appeal to Fear
This fallacy simply threatens opponents. The implication is, “If you don’t accept my argument, you’ll regret it,”
Appeal to Pity
Instead of using measured, logical appeals and evidence, this fallacy is simply going to emotionally manipulate the audience into agreement by tugging on the audience’s heartstrings.
Guilt by Association
This fallacy claims that “(A) is associated with this group, and this group as we all know is good, and that’s all we need to know. (A) is therefore good.”
Appeal to Ignorance
This fallacy suggests that “since no one has proved claim, the claim must be false.” This flip side of this fallacy is “since no one has dis-approved claim, the claim must be true.” Appeals to ignorance are irresponsible for two reasons: 1.) They shift the burden of proof onto someone else, and 2.) they count on the audience now knowing any better.
Hasty or Broad Generalization
These faulty claims are based on too little evidence and often allow for no exceptions. These fallacies jump to a conclusion and often include words like always, never, all, every, none, etc.
