Matching / terms / definitions - Logic Flashcards
Amphiboly
Ambiguity arising from syntax (word order or grammatical structure)
Accent
Ambiguity arising from voice inflection
Slanting
Assuming the value or disvalue of a thing in the very description of it
Slogans
use of a slogan as a substitute for an argument
Hyperbole
Exaggeration. Commonly the absurd extension of the other person’s claim
Straw Man
Refuting an unfairly weak, stupid, or ridiculous version of your opponent’s argument instead of the more reasonable idea he actually holds
Ad Hominem
An argument or attack directed at the person instead of the issue
Ad Verecundiam
The illegitimate appeal to authority instead of reason
Ad Baculum
Appeal to force or fear instead of reason
Ad Ignominiam
Appeal to shame instead of reason
Ad Populum
Appeal to common opinion
Ad Ignorantiam
Appeal to ignorance.
Assumes argument is true because it has not been proven false
Dicto Simpliciter
Saying something too simply - that is, applying a general principle to a special case without the necessary qualification
Special Case
Opposite of Dicto Simpliciter - arguing that something is simply true because it is true in some special case - treating a special case as if it were a general rule
Composition
Arguing from the part to the whole, ignoring the fact that what is true of a part might not be true of the whole
Division
Opposite of composition - arguing from the whole to the part, ignoring the fact that what is true of the whole might not be true of every part
The Black and White Fallacy
Arguing from one extreme to the other without allowing for gradations or means between the extremes
Quoting out of Context
Quoting out of context, either real or literary
Stereotyping
Failing to make room for exceptions to artificial, socially - constructed, changeable generalizations
Non Sequitor
The conclusion does not follow from the premises (due to its contents rather than logical form)
Ignoratio Elenchi
Giving reasons that prove a different conclusion than the argument purports to prove (irrelevant conclusion, missing the point)
Begging the Question
Assuming what you are supposed to be proving
Complex Question
Asking a question that cannot be answered without begging another question
Arguing in a Circle
Using a conclusion to justify a premise after using that premise to justify that conclusion
Contradictory Premises
2 premises contradicting each other, a premise contradicting a conclusion, a premise contradicting itself
False Assumption
Making a false assumption about what is implied by a statement
Hasty Generalization
Concluding to a general principle from too few specific instances
Post Hoc
After this therefore on account of this.
Arguing that one thing is caused by another simply because it came after the other
Hypothesis Contrary to Fact
If only X were true (which it isn’t), then Y would be true
False Analogy
Using an analogy to try to prove anything
Argument from Silence
Arguing that someone did not do or think something because they never mentioned it
Selective Evidence
Referring only to the evidence that supports your thesis and ignoring the evidence that undermines it
Slanting the Question
Asking a question in a way that pushes a certain answer
Equivocation
The same term is used in two or more different senses in the course of an argument
Ad Misericordiam
Appeal to pity instead of reason
