Unit 3 - Fallacies Slides PDF

Logical Fallacy

A flaw in reasoning that makes an argument not logically sound.

Slippery Slope

A fallacy that falsely implies one step will lead to a series of negative consequences.

Hasty Generalization

A fallacy that moves from true assertions to dubious or false conclusions.

Ambiguity

A fallacy that arises from a word or phrase having multiple meanings or interpretations.

Loaded Question

A fallacy that contains an implicit assumption, making it difficult to answer without addressing a controversial point.

Non Sequitur

An argument that does not logically follow from the previous statement.

Red Herring

A distraction that misleads the audience by introducing an irrelevant point.

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

A fallacy that assumes causation simply because one event follows another.

False Analogy

A fallacy that draws a comparison between two things that differ significantly, invalidating the argument.

Straw Man

A fallacy that misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack.

False Dichotomy

A fallacy that presents only two options when more alternatives are available.

Begging the Question

A fallacy in which the argument assumes the desired result.

Genetic Fallacy

A fallacy that judges a claim based on its source rather than its merit.

Ad Hominem Attack

A fallacy that attacks the person proposing the argument instead of the argument itself.

Appeal to Ignorance

A fallacy that argues a lack of evidence proves something to be true or false.

Division

Assuming all members of a set share characteristics of he set as a whole.

example: PETA is a radical organization; therefore, anyone who is a member of PETA is radical.

Composition

Assuming that a set shares characteristics with a given member of a set.

Equivocation

Making two words or phrases equivalent in meaning while ignoring contextual differences.

Example: Evolution is a natural process, so this company’s growth is natural and good.

Many Questions

Presupposing facts that are assumed in the question itself

Special Pleading

Making an unwarranted claim by misapplying or misusing rules and standards.

Example: I should get an A because I worked really hard.

Tu Quoque

Literally, “You also” Discrediting an argument by attacking the speaker’s failure to adhere to his or her conclusion.

Example: How can my professor say that electric vehicles are the future when he still drives a fuel-cell car?

Genetic Fallacy

Arguing a position based on the real or imagined origin, history, or source of the idea.

Example: In ancient times, men were hunters and women were gathers— that’s why women tended to be more domestic than men.

Poisoning the Well

Creating negative associations preemptively to discredit another person or position.

Example: Now that I have highlighted the importance of keeping controversial monument on campus, watch out because all the liberal snowflakes are going to argue that it “injures” them.

Appeal to Authority

Asserting that a claim is true by citing someone thought to be an authority, regardless of the merits of the position or the relevance of the authority’s expertise.

Example: If the coach says throwing balls at the players makes them tougher, it must be true.

Appeal to Fear

Supporting a position by instilling irrational fear of the alternatives.

Death by a Thousand Qualifications

Justifying a weak idea or position by changing it each time it is challenged.

Example: Television is so bad for kids. (Wellm not all television, and not all kids, and not in moderation, ect..)

Protecting the Hypothesis

Distorting evidence to support a pre existing belief or idea.

Example: According to the prophecy, the world was supposed to end. It didn’t end. Therefore, the prophecy was not wrong, but we must have misinterpreted it.