logical fallacies

(D) Hasty generalization

Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate

(D) Post hoc ergo propter hoc

"after this, therefore because of this."

(D) Slippery slope

The arguer claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but there's really not enough evidence for that assumption.

(D) Ad hominem

"against the person"

(D) Straw Man

The arguer sets up a weak version of the opponent's position and tries to score points by knocking it down

(D) Red Herring

Partway through an argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what's really at stake. Often, the arguer never returns to the original issue.

(D) False Dilemma

The arguer sets up the situation so it looks like there are only two choices. The arguer then eliminates one of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option: the one the arguer wanted us to pick in the first place. But often there are really many different options, not just two.

(D) Appeal to Pity

A fallacy in which someone tries to win support for an argument or idea by exploiting one's opponent's feelings of pity or guilt.

(D) Moral Equivalence

An argument that compares minor misdeeds with major atrocities

(D) Appeal to Tradition

An argument in which something is accepted as true or better because it's the "way it's always been done."

(E) False Dilemma

You are either with us or against us.

(E) Straw Man

Senator Smith says that the nation should not add to the defense budget. Senator Jones says that he cannot believe that Senator Smith wants to leave the nation defenseless.

(E) Ad Hominem

Jenny takes her child to the pediatrician; however, after hearing the diagnosis, Jenny tells the pediatrician that she doesn't trust his judgment because he's never been a mother.

(E) Red Herring

Becky's mom gets her phone bill and Becky has gone over her limit. When her mom begins to questions Becky about it, Becky begins talking about how hard her math class is and how well she did on a test that day.

(E) Moral Equivalence

PETA, also known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, once had an ad campaign that compared the consumption of meat to the Holocaust.

(E) Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

Every day, Elliot eats cereal for breakfast. One time, he had a muffin instead, and there was a major earthquake in his city. Elliot has eaten cereal ever since.

(E) Appeal to Pity

Mackenna makes the following argument to her professor: "You need to pass me in this course, since I'll lose my scholarship if you don't."

(E) Slippery Slope

Today late for ten minutes, tomorrow late for an hour, and then someday you will simply cease to show up.

logical fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid