Logical fallacy

Ad hominem

Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself

Straw man fallacy

Misrepresenting or oversimplifying someone’s argument to make it easier to attack

Bandwagon fallacy

Assuming something is true or right because many people believe it or do it.

False dilemma

Presenting only two options as the only possibilities when more exist.

Begging the question

Assuming the conclusion in the premise instead of providing proof.

Appeal to emotion

Manipulating emotions to win an argument instead of using logic or facts.

Appeal to authority

Believing a claim is true simply because an authority figure supports it.

Slippery slope

Arguing that one small action will inevitably lead to extreme, negative consequences.

Hasty generalization

Drawing a conclusion based on too little evidence or a small sample size.

Red herring

Distracting from the real issue by introducing an unrelated topic.

Ad baculum

Using threats or force to persuade someone instead of logical reasoning.

Appeal to false authority

Using an unqualified person or source to support an argument.

Card stacking

Presenting only positive information about a topic while ignoring opposing evidence.