logical fallacies & satire quiz prep

Hasty Generalization

Making a conclusion based on too little evidence.

Missing the Point

When the argument made doesn't address the actual issue being discussed.

Post Hoc

Assuming that because one thing happened after another, the first caused the second.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that a small action will lead to a chain of negative events without showing how.

Weak/Faulty Analogy

Comparing two things that aren't really similar enough to make a valid comparison.

Appeal to Authority

Believing something is true just because an authority or expert says so, without proper evidence.

Appeal to Pity

Trying to win an argument by making the audience feel sorry for someone instead of presenting logical evidence.

Appeal to Ignorance

Claiming something is true just because it hasn’t been proven false, or vice versa.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack or criticize.

Red Herring

Distracting from the main issue by introducing an unrelated topic.

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two options when more exist.

Begging the Question

Assuming the conclusion in the argument’s premise, so it doesn’t really prove anything.

Equivocation

Using a word in different ways to confuse or mislead.

Circular Reasoning

Using the conclusion as part of the argument, so it just goes in circles.

Non Sequitur

When the conclusion doesn’t logically follow from the premises.

Ad Misericordiam

Appealing to sympathy to get support, instead of using facts or logic.

Poisoning the Well

Discrediting someone before they even present their argument, so it’s easier to dismiss them.

Appeal to Tradition

Arguing something is true or right simply because it’s been done that way for a long time.

Stacking the Deck

Presenting only evidence that supports your argument while ignoring contradictory evidence.

Hypothesis Contrary to the Fact

Making a guess about what could have happened if things were different, without proper evidence.

Moving the Goalposts

Changing the criteria for success or proof once it’s met, so it’s always out of reach.

Formal/Direct Satire

Directly criticizing something in a serious or formal way to highlight flaws.

Indirect Satire

Criticizing something subtly or through storytelling, without being obvious.

Horatian

A light, humorous way of making fun of people or things, aiming to entertain rather than hurt.

Juvenalian

A serious and harsh form of satire meant to criticize society or people in a bitter way.

Optimist

Believes people are basically good but might be naive; uses humor to point out flaws and improve things.

Pessimist

Critical of society but still cares about individuals; uses satire to show what’s wrong in the world.

Diatribe/Invective

A strong, angry verbal attack against something or someone.

Farce

An exaggerated, ridiculous story or event meant to entertain with its absurdity.

Caricature

An exaggerated, humorous version of someone or something to make them look silly.

Grotesque

Depictions of something strange, ugly, or horrifying to show what’s wrong with it.

Juxtaposition

Placing two things next to each other to highlight their differences or contrasts.

Exaggeration

Making something seem bigger or more extreme than it is to make a point or for humor.

Hyperbole

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

Absurdum

Taking an argument or idea to an extreme to show that it’s unreasonable or ridiculous.

Understatement

Saying less than what is true, often to make something seem less serious than it really is.

Incongruity

When two things don’t make sense together, creating humor or highlighting their oddness.

Reversal

Presenting the opposite of what’s expected to show a contrast or create surprise.

Irony

When the outcome is different from what you expect, or when you say one thing but mean the opposite.

Sarcasm

Saying something in a mocking or ironic way to show contempt or make fun of something.

Judgement

Making an opinion or critique, often to expose flaws or contradictions.

Play/Wit

Clever, quick, and often funny remarks that show sharp thinking.

Misunderstanding

Creating humor from confusion or mix-ups between people or situations.

Parody

Imitating something in a humorous way to mock or make fun of it.

Burlesque

A humorous imitation of something serious or grand, often exaggerated to show its silliness.

Mock Heroic

Treating a trivial subject like it’s crucial / important, usually in an exaggerated and funny way.