Fallacies

Affirming the Consequent

Affirming the Consequent

If the conclusion is true, then the argument must be true

Denying the Antecedent

IF one or more parts of the premise is false, then the conclusion is false (even if there are other reasons that the conclusion could be true)

Unwarranted extrapolation

Huge predictions based on limited facts/indications of that

Excluded middle fallacy

There is only on choice or the other, there can be no middle ground or compromise

Burden of Proof

Claim has not been proved wrong, therefore it must be true (or vice versa)

Red Herring

Introduction of irrelevant material to distract from and lead to a different conclusion

Ad Hominem

Using personal attacks to discredit someone’s argument without actually engaging the argument

Appeal to Hypocrisy

Ad hominem fallacy that uses someones actions against their argument

Slippery slope

Small first step that is being considered will begin a chain reaction of negative events

Strawman

Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack

Appeals to Authority/science

The argument must be true because it originated from a place or person of authority

Appeals to common sense

Calling something obvious knowledge or common sense, often being vague on details to maintain argument strength

Appeals to common practice

Something is okay because everyone does it

Appeal to emotion

using an emotional response to replace rational thought

Name calling

Linking an idea to something with negative connotations so the audience is more likely to reject it

Glittering Generalities

Using emotionally appealing phrases to strengthen an argument that don’t have sufficient evidence or reason

Euphemisms

Attempting to calm or misdirect an argument using bland phrases