Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacy

A common error in reasoning that can undermine your argument.

Appeal to Fear

Using fear to drive an illogical response to an argument or position.

Ad Hominem

An argument that attacks the character of a person rather than their opinions.

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two choices when in reality there are plenty more options.

False Analogy

Using comparisons or metaphors to equate ideas or situations that are not truly similar.

Slippery Slope

Claiming that an initial event will trigger a series of events leading to an extreme outcome.

Non Sequitur

An argument where the conclusion does not follow logically from the preceding point.

False Authority

Presenting someone as an authority on a topic outside of their actual field of expertise.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

Assuming a cause-and-effect relationship simply because one event sequentially followed another.

Hasty Generalization

Making a claim based on a sample size that is far too small.

Bandwagon Fallacy

Appealing to popularity or the fact that many people do something as a form of validation.

Faulty Appeal

Relying on questionable authority, tradition, or ignorance to support a claim.

Circular Reasoning

Using the conclusion itself as evidence to prove the reasons for that conclusion.

Straw Man

Distorting an opponent's argument by oversimplifying or exaggerating it, then refuting the new version.

Red Herring

Presenting a misleading argument or distraction to divert attention from the main issue.

Inductive Reasoning

a method of reasoning that uses specific examples to construct general propositions

Deductive Reasoning

The process of reasoning from one or more general statements, laws, or principles regarding what is known.