AP Lang Logical Fallacies

Multiple Choice, know both definitions and examples

Ad Hominem

This is an attack on the character of a person rather than his or her opinions or arguments.

Appeals to False Authority

A logical fallacy where someone uses an alleged expert’s opinion as evidence, even though that person isn’t actually qualified in the relevant field

Bandwagon

This is an appeal that presents what most people, or a group of people, think, in order to persuade one to think the same way.

Begging the Question

The conclusion that the writer should prove is validated within the claim.

Either/Or

This is a conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices

False Analogy

Occurs when two things are compared as if they are alike in all ways, even though the similarities between them are irrelevant or misleading

Hasty Generalization

This is a conclusion based on the premise that if A happens, then eventually through a series of small steps, through B, C,..., X, Y, Z will happen, too, basically equating A and Z. So, if we don't want Z to occur, A must not be allowed to occur either

Non sequitur

Fallacy in which the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises or previous statements.

Red Herring

This is a diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing them.

Slippery Slope

This is a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence. In other words, you are rushing to a conclusion before you have all the relevant facts.

Strawman

This move oversimplifies an opponent's viewpoint and then attacks that hollow argument