Fallacies of Distraction

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers various types of Fallacies of Distraction based on the lecture notes, clarifying each term with its specific definition and distraction mechanism.

Ad Hominem

A fallacy of distraction that attacks an opponent's character. Ones character is irrelevant to the argument.

Tu Quoque

"You also" - a fallacy of distraction that attempts to discredit an opponent's conclusion by irrelevantly appealing to supposed hypocrisy between argument and actions.

Transfer

A fallacy of distraction that equates positive characteristics of a spokesman with their conclusion.

Ipse Dixit

"He said it himself" - a fallacy of distraction that appeals to an irrelevant authority as justification for a conclusion.

Bulverism

A fallacy of distraction that assumes an opponent's position is wrong by focusing the argument on how the opponent personally came to believe that position.