Logical Fallacy

Fallacies

Defects which weaken an argument (very common and persuasive

Hasty Generalization

Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample which in inadequate

Missing the Point

the premise of an argument which supports a particular conclusion - but not the conclusion the arguer actually draws

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (faulty casualty)

 A faulty assumption that the cause of a relationship is the result of what preceded it

Slippery Slope 

Arguer claims that some form of chain reaction, usually ending in a consequence, but there’s not enough evidence for assumption. 

Weak Analogy

When the 2 things that are being compared aren’t really alike in relevant respects. 

Appeal to Authority

When we add strength to our argument by referring to respected sources or authorities and explaining their positions on the issues we’re discussing. 

Appeal to Pity

Takes place when you try to get someone to agree with you by making them feel sorry for someone. 

Appeal to ignorance

When an argument lacks conclusive evidence about the issue being discussed. 

Straw Man

When someone misconstrues what you say, and make it their argument  

Red Herring

Partway through the argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience 

False Dichotomy

Arguer sets up the situation so it seems like there’s only 2 options. The arguer then eliminates one of the choices, so it seems we are left with the other one (the 1 they want). 

Equivocation

Sliding between 2 or more different meanings of a single word/phrase. 

Begging the Question 

Argument that begs the question and asks the reader to simply accept the conclusion without providing real evidence by saying the same point in diff words

Non Sequitur 

A gap in the sequence of your logic. (A to B to D, skipping C)

Cirucular Reasoning

One statement is true bc of another statement, and that statement is true bc of the previous statement 

Reductio Ad Absurdum

Extending an argument to ridiculous proportions

Poisoning the Well

Attacking an argument by attacking the opponent bc they present the argument 

Appeal to Tradition

bc something has always been done in a certain way, it shld continue to be done in that way

Stacking the device

Any evidence that supports an opposing argument is rejected or ignored 

Hypothesis Contrary to the Fact

Offering poorly supported claims about what might happen in the future or what alrdy has happened 

Moving the Goal Post

Moving what the point of an argument is