Logical Fallacies Flashcards
Logical Fallacies
a flaw in reasoning or a faulty argument
Formal Fallacies
an argument has a flaw in its structure (or form)
Informal Fallacies (Missing the Point)
the conclusion of an argument does not follow from the premises
Strawman
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack
Slippery Slope
Asserting that if we follow A to happen, then Z will consequently happen too, therefore A should not happen.
False Dichotomy (Black or White)
When two alternative states are presented as the only possibilities, when in fact more possibilities exist.
False Cause (Post Hoc)
Presuming that a real or perceived relationship between things means that one is the cause of the other.
ad hominem
Attacking your opponent’s character or personal traits in an attempt to undermine their argument.
Begging the Question
A circular argument in which the conclusion is included in the premise.
Appeal to Authority (Majority, Tradition)
Using the opinion or position of authority (majority, tradition) in place of an actual argument.
Appeal to Emotion (Pity)
Manipulating an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument.
Equivocation (Ambiguity)
Using different definitions for the same word, or when a word is taken in a different way than intended.
Red Herring
An argument that introduces an irrelevant issue which distracts or confuses the case being presented.
Hasty (Sweeping) Generalization
Taking a general rule and applying it absolutely to all instances, not recognizing that there are exceptions.
Appeal to Ignorance
Argues something is TRUE because it hasn’t been proven to be true or false. Or to argue something is FALSE because it hasn’t been proven to be true.
