Logical Fallacy Terms Flashcards
Inductive reasoning
A specific representative case or facts and then draws generalizations or conclusions from them.
Deductive reasoning
Begins with a generalization and them applies it to a specific case.
Slippery slope
A conclusion bases on the premise that if A happens, then eventually through a series of small steps, through B, C, etc will happen, too.
Hasty Generalization
A conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence.
Post hoc ergo propter hoc
A conclusion that assumes that if ‘A’ occurred after ‘B’ then ‘B’ must have caused ‘A.’
Genetic fallacy
A conclusion is based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth.
Begging the claim
The conclusion that the writer should prove is validated within the claim.
Circular argument
This restated the argument rather than actually proving it.
Either/or
A conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices.
Ad hominem
This is an attack on the character of a person rather than their opinions or arguments.
Ad populum
This is an emotional appeal that speaks to positive or negative concepts regather than the real issue at hand.
Red herring
A diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing them.
Non-sequitur
A conclusion that does not follow from its premise; an invalid analogy.
