Logical Fallacies: Definitions and Examples for Critical Thinking

Slippery Slope

A conclusion based on the premise that if one thing happens, another thing will happen too, through a series of small steps.

Hasty Generalization

A conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence, rushing to a conclusion before having all relevant facts.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

A conclusion that assumes if one thing came before another, it must have caused the other thing.

Genetic Fallacy

A conclusion based on the argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth.

Begging the Claim

The conclusion that the writer should prove with evidence is validated within the claim.

Circular Argument

This restates the argument rather than actually proving it, often just another way of restating the claim.

Either/Or

A conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices, ignoring other solutions.

Ad Hominem

An attack on the character of a person rather than his or her opinions or arguments.

Ad Populum/Bandwagon Appeal

An appeal that presents what most people think in order to persuade one to think the same way.

Red Herring

A diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues by pointing to another topic as a source of distraction.

Straw Man

This move oversimplifies an opponent's viewpoint and then attacks that hollow argument.

Moral Equivalence

This fallacy compares minor misdeeds with major atrocities, suggesting that both are equally immoral.