Logical Fallacies Vocabulary

These flashcards review key vocabulary terms related to logical fallacies, including definitions and explanations.

Ad hominem

A logical fallacy that discredits an opponent's opinion by directly attacking their character.

Appeal to false authority

A claim based on the expertise of someone who lacks appropriate credentials.

Bandwagon

A claim based on popularity and/or trends, suggesting that one should follow the crowd.

Either or Fallacy

Simplifying an argument by presenting only two options.

Hasty Generalization

A claim based on a general assumption or stereotype about people or institutions.

Moral Equivalence

Making comparisons between unrelated things to argue that one is as bad or good as the other.

Red Herring

Introducing an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original issue.

Scare tactics

Using fear to influence public reaction, often coercively.

Slippery Slope

An argument suggesting that a minor action will lead to significant and undesirable consequences.

Stacking the deck

Ignoring evidence that disproves a point while only presenting supporting examples.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.