Deductive and Inductive Reasoning, Patterns of Development, and Logical Fallacies

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to deductive and inductive reasoning, patterns of development in writing, and various logical fallacies relevant to the upcoming quiz.

Deductive Reasoning

A method of reasoning from the general to the specific; if all premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Syllogism

The simplest form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.

Major Premise

A general statement that serves as a foundation for deductive reasoning.

Minor Premise

A specific statement that relates to the major premise.

Conclusion

The final statement in a syllogism that logically follows from the premises.

Inductive Reasoning

A method of reasoning that moves from specific evidence to a general conclusion.

Premises

Statements that provide the foundation for an argument; can be major or minor.

Logical Fallacy

An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or weak.

Bandwagon / Ad Populum

A fallacy that argues a claim is true because many people believe it.

Fallacy of Accuracy

Occurs when the information is wrong or misleading.

Fallacy of Insufficiency

Occurs when evidence is not enough to support a claim.

Straw Man Fallacy

Misrepresenting an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.

Faulty Analogy

Making a comparison between two things that are not truly alike.

Circular Reasoning

An argument that assumes the truth of its conclusion within its premise.

Ad Hominem

A fallacy that attacks the person making an argument rather than the argument itself.

Begging the Question

A fallacy where the premise assumes the conclusion is true.

Appeal to False Authority

Arguing that a claim is true based on the opinion of someone who is not an expert in that field.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

A fallacy of faulty cause-and-effect reasoning.

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that one event will lead to a chain of negative outcomes.