Common Logical Fallacies

Tu Quoque (You Too Fallacy)

Responding to criticism by pointing out that the critic is guilty of the same thing, instead of addressing the argument.

Appeal to Doubtful Authority

Citing a person who is not an expert in the subject as evidence for an argument.

Appeal to Fear (Ad Baculum)

Attempting to persuade by creating fear of negative consequences rather than using logical reasons.

Appeal to Pity (Ad Misericordiam)

Using sympathy or guilt to win support for an argument instead of providing logical reasoning.

Ad Populum (Bandwagon)

Claiming something is true or right simply because it is popular or widely believed.

Begging the Question (Circular Reasoning)

Using a conclusion as part of the reasoning for that same conclusion; assuming what needs to be proven.

Poisoning the Well

Presenting negative information about someone before they speak, to discredit their argument in advance.

Non Sequitur

Drawing a conclusion that does not logically follow from the premises or evidence given.

False Analogy

Making a comparison between two things that are not truly alike in the relevant aspects.

Equivocation

Using a word with multiple meanings in different parts of an argument, creating confusion or misleading reasoning.