Unit 7 – Fallacies and Logical Errors

Flashcards covering false cause fallacies, correlations, generalizations, dilemmas, loaded questions, and slippery slopes.

What is a false cause fallacy?

Assuming one event causes another without sufficient evidence.

Why is correlation ≠ causation?

Because two things occurring together does not mean one caused the other.

What is post hoc ergo propter hoc?

Assuming A caused B just because A happened before B.

Give an example of post hoc reasoning.

Something happened after an event, so the event caused it.

What is reverse causation?

Mixing up cause and effect.

Why is 'ice cream causes sunburn' a fallacy?

They are correlated but both are caused by summer heat.

Why is 'vaccines cause autism' false cause?

It assumes causation based on timing without evidence.

Common mistakes in false cause?

Jumping to conclusions, ignoring other factors, oversimplifying.

What is a hasty generalization?

A conclusion based on too little or unrepresentative evidence.

What makes a sample weak?

Too small or not representative.

Why is 'all nurses are careless' a fallacy?

Based on one experience, not the whole group.

Why is social media a good example?

It shows a limited, curated version of reality.

Structure of hasty generalization?

Small sample → big conclusion → faulty reasoning.

Why does it lead to stereotypes?

It generalizes limited cases to entire groups.

How to fix it?

Use larger samples and reliable evidence.

What is a false dilemma?

Presenting only two options when more exist.

Why misleading?

Oversimplifies and ignores alternatives.

Why is 'study all night or fail' wrong?

There are other ways to succeed.

How to detect false dilemma?

Ask if more options exist.

What is a loaded question?

A question with a hidden assumption.

Hidden assumption example?

You cheated before.

Why unfair?

Forces answers and assumes unproven claims.

How to respond?

Challenge assumption or refuse question.

What is begging the question?

Using the conclusion as the premise.

Another name?

Circular reasoning.

Why weak?

No real evidence is given.

Example flaw?

It repeats the claim instead of proving it.

What is a slippery slope?

One action leads to extreme consequences.

Why is it a fallacy?

Lacks evidence for the chain of events.

Structure?

A → B → C → extreme outcome.

Why fear is used?

To make weak arguments seem convincing.

Can it be valid?

Yes, if each step is supported by evidence.