Philosphy

Subjectivism

Arguing that something is true because you believe it or want it to be true.

• Example: "I feel that ghosts are real, so they must exist."

Appeal to Majority (Ad Populum)

• Claiming something is true because most people believe it.

  • Example: "Everyone thinks this brand is the best, so it must be the best."

Appeal to Emotion

Using emotions rather than logical reasoning to persuade.
Example: "If you don’t donate, these puppies will suffer!"

Appeal to Force

Using threats or intimidation instead of reasoning.

• Example: "Agree with me, or you’re fired."

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person instead of the argument.

• Example: "You can’t trust his opinion on climate change—he dropped out of college."

Appeal to Authority

Citing an authority who is not actually an expert in the relevant field.

• Example: "A famous actor said this diet works, so it must be good."

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two choices when more exist.

• Example: "You’re either with us or against us."

Post Hoc

Assuming that because one event happened before another, it caused the second event.

• Example: "I wore my lucky socks, and we won the game!"

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a conclusion from insufficient or biased evidence.

• Example: "I met two rude people from Canada. All Canadians must be rude."

Accident

Misapplying a general rule to an exceptional case.

• Example: "Freedom of speech means I can say anything I want, even threats!"

Slippery Slope

Claiming one small step will lead to extreme consequences without proof.

• Example: "If we allow one exception to the rule, soon no one will follow it!"

Composition

Assuming that what is true for the parts must be true for the whole.

• Example: "Each player on the team is talented, so the team must be the best."

Division

Assuming that what is true for the whole must be true for the parts.

• Example: "The university is prestigious, so every student there must be a genius."