logical fallacies

Ad hominem

A logical fallacy where a writer attacks the integrity or character of their opponents instead of the merits of the issue.

Ad populum (Bandwagon)

A fallacy based on the assumption that the opinion of the majority is always valid: everyone believes it, so you should too.

Begging the Question

A fallacy often referred to as circular reasoning, where the believability of the evidence depends on the claim being proven.

False Analogy/Faulty Analogy

A fallacy that occurs when two cases are not sufficiently parallel to justify a claim of connection between them.

Either-Or Reasoning

A fallacy where the writer reduces an argument or issue to two polar opposites, ignoring other possibilities.

Hasty Generalization

A fallacy that asserts a broad truth based on specific cases.

Logical Fallacies

Errors in reasoning used to mislead audiences, often based on insufficient evidence or faulty logic.

Non-sequitur

A statement that is not logically connected to another; Latin for 'it does not follow'.

Oversimplification

The act of obscuring or denying the complexity of issues in an argument.

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc

A fallacy implying that because one thing follows another, the first caused the second.

Red Herring

Introducing an irrelevant issue to divert attention from the real issue.

Slippery Slope

A fallacy arguing that one course of action will lead to a series of undesirable consequences.

Straw man

Arguing against a claim that nobody actually holds, diverting attention from real issues.

Appeal to Authority

Falsely appealing to the credibility of a celebrity or public figure in matters outside their expertise.

Appeal to Pity

Falsely invoking sympathy instead of logical facts or evidence.

Appeal to Ignorance

Arguing that something is true because there is no evidence to prove it false (or vice versa).