Fallacy

Begging the Question: To assume a conclusion in the question.

“Everyone wants a new iPhone because it’s the coolest thing out there.”

Non Sequitur: When the conclusion does not correlate with the point/premise.

“My neighbor has a mean cat. All cats are mean.”

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc: Assuming causation when there is merely a correlation or overemphasizing the causation. Correlation is not causation!

“The economy is improving, so the president is doing a good job.”

False Analogy: The analogy does not fit the argument.

“Private schools are better because all of their students get into college.”

Hasty Generalization: Reach a verdict without sufficient evidence.

The schools in my area are doing poorly: therefore, all schools are failing.”

Red Herring: Introducing a topic unrelated to the topic at hand.

“I know my English grade is pretty low, but I’m doing really well in math.”

cliche thinking

A fallacy where one relies on predictable or tired arguments instead of critical thinking. It often involves oversimplified or stereotypical reasoning.

false clause

A fallacy that involves making a conclusion based on an erroneous understanding of conditional statements, often confusing necessary and sufficient conditions.

Straw Man Argument: Attack a different argument than the one that is presented.

“The government doesn’t take care of the poor because they don’t have a tax set aside for the poor.”

Either/Or Fallacy: Having only two choices.

“Give me liberty or give me death!”

Slippery Slope: The first step leads to a chain of catastrophic events.

“Gay marriage will lead to marriage between humans and animals.”

Bandwagon Appeal: Best option because everyone is doing it

“Everyone is doing it, so you should too.”

Ad Hominem: Pointing out a personal flaw and using it to diminish an argument. It’s based on prejudice rather than facts. 

“She won’t make a good governor because she’s never run a business.”

appeal to emotion

Manipulating emotional responses to persuade rather than presenting logical arguments. For example, using pity to influence a decision.

appeal to authority

Citing an expert or authority to support a claim, assuming their credibility guarantees the truth of the argument.