Argumentative Terms (15-20)

Post hoc fallacy

This fallacy of logic occurs when the writer assumes that an incident that precedes another is the cause of the second incident.

Red Herring

A fallacy of argument in which a writer abruptly changes the topic in order to distract readers from potentially objectionable claims.

Refutation

A denial of the validity of an opposing argument.

Satire

Use of ridicule, sarcasm, irony, etc. to expose vices, abuses, etc.

Slippery Slope

A fallacy of argument exaggerating the possibility that a relatively inconsequential action or choice today will have serious adverse consequences in the future.

Syllogism

A form of reasoning (deduction) in which two statements or premises are made and a logical conclusion is drawn from them.