Logical Fallacies

Ad hominem

Criticizing/discrediting an argument based on (assumptions about) the person saying it.

Argument from False Authority

Claiming that someone is right in their argument simply because they might know something about the topic, even if they aren't qualified in that instance.

Appeal to Ignorance

Asserting that if something hasn't been proven false, it must be true, and vice versa.

Begging the Question

Using circular logic that assumes false ideas are true to prove a point, returning to the original point in question.

Hasty Generalization

Forming a conclusion based on insufficient or partial evidence.

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two extreme options as the only possibilities, ignoring any middle ground.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that a small change will lead to a worst-case scenario.

Faulty Causality

Incorrectly establishing a cause/effect relationship without definitive proof.

Hypothesis Contrary to Fact

Drawing conclusions based on hypothetical situations that cannot be proven.

Straw Man Argument

Oversimplifying an argument to make it easier to attack.

Red Herring

Introducing a distraction to shift attention away from the main issue.

Sentimental Appeals

Manipulating emotions to persuade, often employing pity.

Scare Tactic

Using fear or threats to persuade readers.

Bandwagon

Encouraging agreement based on the popularity of a belief or action.

Snob Appeal/Plain Folk

Identifying with a specific demographic to suggest that people like them must know better.

Dogmatism

Assuming one is right because of one’s own authority.

Equivocation

Lying by omission or deliberately hiding the entire truth.

Faulty Analogy

Making misleading comparisons between two things.

Tu Quoque

Justifying errors in reasoning by pointing out similar errors by opponents.

Rationalization

Explaining controversial behaviors or feelings in a rational way to avoid facing the true explanation.

Guilt by Association

Unfairly attributing responsibility for beliefs or actions to someone based on their association with others.