logical fallacy

What are logical fallacies?

Gaps in an argument that can be obvious or subtle, resulting from faulty reasoning or insufficient lines of reasoning.

How do fallacies affect ethos?

Fallacies damage the credibility and ethical appeal of the argument.

What does 'correlation does not equal causation' mean?

It indicates that just because two events occur together, one does not necessarily cause the other.

What is a red herring?

A deliberate attempt to change the subject or divert the argument from the real question at issue.

Define the straw man fallacy.

Creating an oversimplified or trivial argument to easily refute, rather than addressing the actual argument.

What is a non sequitur?

An argument that does not logically follow from the previous statements.

Explain begging the question.

Using the conclusion as a premise, essentially circular reasoning without advancing the argument.

What is equivocation?

Using a word in different ways within the same argument, leading to confusion or misinterpretation.

What is a complex question fallacy?

Phrasing a question in a way that implies an unproven statement is true, making it difficult to answer simply.

Define slippery slope fallacy.

Arguing that a small first step will lead to a chain of related events culminating in a significant impact, usually negative.

What is the argument from the negative?

Asserting that if one position is incorrect, the opposite must be true, which does not necessarily follow.

Explain stacking the deck fallacy.

Ignoring evidence that contradicts one's argument while only presenting supporting examples.

What is false cause fallacy?

Establishing a cause/effect relationship that does not exist, often summarized by 'post hoc, ergo propter hoc.'

Define false dichotomy.

Presenting an argument as having only two choices or outcomes when there are actually multiple options.

What is the appeal to tradition fallacy?

Arguing that a premise must be true because it has always been accepted or practiced in the past.

What does appeal to improper authority mean?

Citing an authority that is not reliable or relevant to the argument, often using celebrity endorsements.

What is the appeal to pathos fallacy?

Using emotional appeals inappropriately to persuade the audience on a logical issue.

How can logical fallacies be used deliberately?

They can be employed to trick the audience or create a satirical effect by highlighting gaps in logic.

What is the genetic fallacy?

Discrediting an idea, product, or person based on their origin rather than their current merits.

What is argumentum ad hominem?

Attacking or praising the person making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself.

Explain argumentum ad populum.

Appealing to popular opinion or emotions rather than constructing a logical argument.

What is the role of logical fallacies in satire?

They serve as indicators of faulty reasoning, often used to critique or mock the original argument.

What is the impact of fallacies on an argument?

They weaken the argument's validity and can mislead the audience.