Logical Fallacies NOTES

fallacy flashcards from tuttle twins logical fallacies book

Logical Fallacy

An error in human reasoning that hinders productive discussion and leads to heated arguments instead of finding the truth.

How should you deal with logical fallacies in an argument?

Remain calm, avoid using the same bad reasoning, politely point out the fallacy, and explain why the reasoning is wrong.

Strawman Fallacy

A fallacy that misrepresents an argument to make it easier to attack, diverting attention from the actual argument.

False Cause Fallacy

Assuming that because one event occurred after another, the first caused the second, ignoring possible other factors.

Appeal to Emotion Fallacy

Exploiting emotions instead of logical reasoning to gain support for an argument.

Slippery Slope Fallacy

Suggesting that a small first step will lead to a significant negative consequence without sufficient evidence.

Ad Hominem Fallacy

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

Personal Incredulity Fallacy

Claiming that something must be false because it seems unbelievable or hard to understand.

Special Pleading Fallacy

Applying standards, principles, or rules to other people or circumstances while exempting oneself.

Loaded Question Fallacy

Asking a question that contains an assumption that, if answered, could be seen as an admission of guilt.

Burden of Proof Fallacy

Shifting the burden of proof to the person questioning or challenging a claim, rather than providing evidence.

Ambiguity Fallacy

Using ambiguous language or terms in arguments to mislead or confuse.

Gambler's Fallacy

Believing that past events influence the probabilities of future random events.

Bandwagon Fallacy

Assuming something is true or acceptable because a majority of people believe it.

Appeal to Authority Fallacy

Relying on the opinion of a perceived authority figure instead of presenting logical reasoning.

Composition Fallacy

Assuming what is true for a part is also true for the whole.

Division Fallacy

Assuming what is true for the whole is also true for its parts.

No True Scotsman Fallacy

Dismissing refutations of a claim by altering the definition to exclude the counterexamples.

Origins Fallacy

Arguing that the origin of a claim or thing determines its value or truth.

Black or White Fallacy

Presenting two options as the only possibilities when more exist.

Begging the Question Fallacy

Assuming the conclusion of an argument in the premise without supporting evidence.

Appeal to Nature Fallacy

Arguing something is good or valid because it is natural.

Anecdotal Fallacy

Using personal experiences or isolated examples instead of sound arguments or compelling evidence.

Sharpshooter Fallacy

Cherry-picking data to fit an argument while ignoring data that contradicts it.

Middle Ground Fallacy

Assuming that the middle position between two extremes must be the correct one.

Tu Quoque Fallacy

Avoiding having to engage with criticism by turning it back on the accuser.

Fallacy Fallacy

Assuming a conclusion is false because an argument for it is fallacious.