Unit 6 Phil

Practice flashcards covering key concepts related to fallacies and critical thinking.

What is a fallacy?

An error in reasoning that makes a conclusion irrational.

Why are fallacies important?

They lead to false beliefs and poor reasoning.

Why study fallacies?

To avoid being misled and improve critical thinking.

What are the two main categories of fallacies?

Supporting a claim and criticizing a claim.

What are fallacies of relevance?

Premises that are not relevant to the conclusion.

What is an appeal to ignorance?

Claiming something is true because it hasn’t been proven false.

What is the key flaw in the appeal to ignorance?

Lack of evidence is not proof.

What is an appeal to inappropriate authority?

Using an unqualified expert.

What is an appeal to general belief?

Something is true because many people believe it.

What is an appeal to emotion?

Using feelings instead of logic.

What is the gambler’s fallacy?

Believing past random events affect future ones.

What is a red herring?

Distracting from the real issue.

What are fallacies of criticism?

Errors when attacking arguments.

What is ad hominem?

Attacking the person instead of the argument.

Why is ad hominem wrong?

Truth does not depend on the person.

What is tu quoque?

Dismissing an argument due to hypocrisy.

What is pooh-pooh?

Dismissing with ridicule.

What is a straw man?

Misrepresenting an argument.

What are loaded words?

Using emotional language instead of reasoning.

What are fallacies of defense?

Errors used to avoid criticism.

What is a definitional dodge?

Changing definitions to avoid being wrong.

What is the exception that proves the rule?

Ignoring counterexamples.

How do you identify a fallacy?

Check if reasoning supports the conclusion.

What is the biggest mistake in fallacies?

Focusing on content, not reasoning.

Can fallacies still sound convincing?

Yes, they often feel persuasive.

What is the key exam skill?

Recognizing patterns of faulty reasoning.

What is an example of the appeal to ignorance?

'No one proved ghosts aren't real'.

What is an example of the appeal to general belief?

'Everyone believes it so it’s true'.

What is an example of ad hominem?

'You’re stupid so you're wrong'.

What is an example of a red herring?

Changing topic mid-argument.

What is an example of a straw man?

Exaggerating an argument.

What is an example of emotional manipulation?

Appeal to emotion.

Why are fallacies dangerous in media?

They manipulate thinking.

Why are fallacies common?

People rely on shortcuts instead of logic.

What should you always ask?

Does this reasoning actually support the claim?

What separates strong vs weak thinkers?

Ability to detect fallacies.

What is the goal when spotting fallacies?

Reject poor reasoning.