Fallacies of Argument

A collection of flashcards defining various logical fallacies and errors in reasoning based on the lecture notes.

Fallacy of Argument

A flaw or error in reasoning that undermines the logic of an argument; it can be intentional (to manipulate or deceive) or unintentional (due to a lack of understanding).

Ad Hominem

A fallacy where the person is attacked in some way—such as their expertise, physical appearance, values, or status—instead of addressing the actual argument.

Ad Antiquitatem

An appeal to tradition which claims that $X$ is right or better simply because it has been done that way for a long time.

Ad Baculum

An appeal to fear or force that occurs when someone uses the threat of punishment or negative consequences to compel acceptance of an argument rather than providing logical reasoning.

Ad Ignorantium

An argument from ignorance where a conclusion is drawn about $A$ because nothing is known about it, or where a lack of evidence is assumed to be proof that a claim is true or false.

Ad Misericordiam

An appeal to pity that occurs when someone uses emotion, sympathy, or empathy to persuade others rather than providing relevant evidence.

Ad Nauseum

A fallacy of repetition where an argument or assertion is repeated so frequently that it is taken as true due to its constant repetition rather than evidence.

Ad Novitam

An appeal to novelty which argues that something is better or correct simply because it is new or modern ($X$ is new, therefore it is better than that which it seeks to replace).

Ad Numeram

An appeal to numbers which occurs when someone argues that something is true or correct simply because many people believe it or agree with it.

Ad Populum

An appeal to the people (labeled in the notes as "Apple to People") which argues a claim is valid because it is popular or widely accepted, often using peer pressure instead of rational argument.

Ad Ridiculum

An appeal to ridicule where someone mocks or belittles an argument (making it seem amusing or absurd) instead of addressing its substance.

Ad Verecundiam

An appeal to authority which occurs when someone argues a claim is true simply because an authority or expert believes it, without providing evidence or considering context.

Non Causa Pro Causa

A false cause fallacy where someone assumes a causal relationship between two things that are not causally connected ($X$ apparently causes $Y$).

Petitio Principili

Begging the question; occurs when an argument assumes the truth of what it is supposed to prove, using its conclusion as a premise in a circular way.

Secundum Quid

A hasty generalization that occurs when someone makes a sweeping conclusion based on insufficient or limited evidence.