Persuasive Fallacies

Strawman Fallacy

Oversimplifying, exaggerating, or misrepresenting an opponent's position to make it easier to attack or refute.

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a broad conclusion based on a small or unrepresentative sample of evidence.

False Dilemma

Presenting only two extreme alternatives as the sole possibilities when other valid options exist.

Circular Reasoning

An argument in which the conclusion merely repeats or assumes the premise instead of providing independent proof.

Slippery Slope

Asserting without evidence that an initial action will inevitably trigger a catastrophic chain of events.

Bandwagon Appeal

Arguing that a claim or course of action is correct simply because a large number of people support or do it.

Appeal to Emotion (Fear/Pity/Guilt)

Manipulating feelings to persuade or pressure someone into agreement instead of relying on sound reasoning.

False Authority

Citing an unqualified person or celebrity as an expert source to support an argument outside their field.

Appeal to Tradition

Claiming that an action, belief, or practice is best simply because it has historically been done that way.

Ad Hominem

Attacking an individual's personal character or circumstances rather than addressing the substance of their argument.