Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacy

An error in reasoning that makes an argument logically weak or misleading.

Formal Fallacy

A logical error caused by the structure or form of an argument.

Informal Fallacy

A logical error caused by the content, wording, assumptions, or context of an argument.

Ad Hominem Fallacy

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

Strawman Argument

Misrepresenting someone's argument so it is easier to attack.

False Dichotomy Fallacy

Presenting only two choices as if they are the only possibilities when other options exist.

Slippery Slope Fallacy

Claiming that one event will lead to increasingly extreme consequences without enough evidence.

Appeal to Fear Fallacy

Using fear or threats to persuade someone instead of providing relevant evidence or reasoning.

Non Sequitur Fallacy

A conclusion that does not logically follow from the statements or evidence given.

Tu Quoque Fallacy

Rejecting criticism by accusing the critic of doing the same thing instead of addressing the criticism.

Moving the Goalposts Fallacy

Changing the requirements for proving an argument after those requirements have already been met.

Anecdotal Fallacy

Using a personal story or individual example as evidence for a general claim.

Middle Ground Fallacy

Assuming the correct answer must be a compromise between two opposing positions.

Argument from Authority Fallacy

Claiming something is true simply because an authority or expert says it.