LOGICAL FALLACIES (ENGLISH) Flashcards
These are common flaws in reasoning that weaken or invalidate your argument’s logic.
Logical Fallacies
The error in reasoning.
Fallacies/Fallacy
What are the common logical fallacies?
- Ad Hominem
- Straw Man
- Appeal to Ignorance
- False Dilemma
- Slippery slope
- Circular Argument
- Appeal to Pity
- Hasty Generalization
- Red Herring
- Tu Quoque
- Equivocation
- Fallacy of Sunk Cost
- Appeal to Authority
- Post Hoc
This logical fallacy is when someone tries to change the focus of an argument from the argument itself to something about the other person.
Ad Hominem (NAME-CALLING)
This fallacy occurs when you argue that your conclusion must be true, because there is no evidence against it.
Appeal to Ignorance
This is a conclusion that is based on insufficient evidence or information. (JUMPING INTO CONCLUSIONS)
Hasty Generalization
Aptly named after a harmless, lifeless, scarecrow. In this fallacy, someone attacks a position the opponent doesn’t really hold.
Straw Man
A distraction from the
argument typically with some sentiment that seems to be relevant but isn’t really on-topic
Red Herring (CHANGING TOPICS)
This line of reasoning fails by limiting the options to two when there are in fact more options to choose from.
False Dilemma (EITHER-OR FALLACY)
In this fallacy, a person asserts that one occurrence leads to another, and so on, until a terrible conclusion is reached.
Slippery Slope
This conclusion is based on the idea that if “A” came after “B,” then “B” must have caused “A.” This logical fallacy is also committed due to insufficient evidence about the event.
Post Hoc (FAULTY CAUSE AND EFFECT)
Is also called the “appeal to hypocrisy” because it distracts from the argument by pointing out hypocrisy in the opponent.
Tu Quoque
When a person’s argument is just repeating what they already assumed beforehand, it’s not arriving at any new conclusion
Circular Argument
The tendency to continue with an endeavor we’ve invested money, effort, or time into—even if the current costs outweigh the benefits.
Fallacy of Sunk Cost
Aka “calling two different
things by the same name,” is the logical fallacy of using a word or phrase in an
argument either
Equivocation
This fallacy happens when we misuse an authority.
Appeal to Authority
The fallacy appeals to the compassion and emotional sensitivity of others when these factors are not strictly relevant to the argument.
Appeal to Pity
