Logical fallacy

Fallacy

Fallacy

Defects that weaken arguments; common in everyday reasoning.

Hasty Generalization

Making assumptions about a whole group based on an inadequate sample.

Missing the Point

The premises support a conclusion, but not the one created by the arguer

Post hoc (false cause)

Assuming that because B follows A, A caused B.

Slippery Slope

Claiming that taking one action will lead to extreme consequences without evidence.

Weak Analogy

Arguing based on a comparison between two things that are not alike in relevant respects.

Appeal to Authority

Using an authority figure's opinion to support an argument, but without relevance to the argument.

Appeal to Pity

Trying to persuade by appealing to pity or sympathy.

Appeal to Ignorance

Claiming a conclusion is true because it has not been proven false.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

Red Herring

Introducing irrelevant material to distract from the original issue. Going on a tangent

False Dichotomy

Presenting two options as the only possibilities when more exist. Then eliminating one leaving one that the author wanted us to pick

Begging the Question

Asks readers to accept conclusion without real evidence

Equivocation

Sliding between 2 or more different meanings of a word or phrase

Ad Hominem

Directed against a person rather to an the position they are maintaining

Syllogism

Defective scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion