logical fallacies

Equivocation

Using (or hiding behind) a half-truth in an argument, often based on multiple meanings of a word.

Either-Or

Reduction of the actual options available to only two when additional alternatives exist.

Slippery Slope

Portraying today's small misstep as potentially leading to tomorrow's catastrophic outcome.

Sentimental Appeals

Manipulative and excessive use of tender emotions to distract readers from factual arguments.

Argumentum ad populum

Arguing that a position is valid simply because a majority supports it.

Tu quoque

An appeal to hypocrisy, attacking someone's valid argument by highlighting perceived inconsistencies.

Argumentum ad verecundiam

When writers use themselves or other authorities as sufficient justification for believing a claim.

Dogmatism

The assertion that a particular position is the only one that can ever be correct.

Argumentum Ad Hominem

Criticisms directed towards the individual rather than addressing their argument.

Inductive Fallacy

An inference drawn from insufficient evidence, leading to faulty conclusions.

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc

A logical fallacy meaning 'after this, therefore because of this'; suggesting that correlation does not imply causation.

Circular Reasoning

A claim made based on grounds that cannot be accepted as true because they are the very grounds in doubt.

Non Sequitur

An argument in which claims, reasons, or warrants fail to logically connect.

The Straw Man

Setting up and winning an argument that doesn't exist; attacking a claim that was never made.

Faulty Analogy

When two things being compared are not truly equivalent.

Argumentum ad antiquitatem

Using historical precedent to justify a present action—essentially, 'We've always done it this way'.

Cherry Picking

Selecting and presenting only those data points that support your argument while ignoring others.

Red Herring

Introducing an irrelevant topic or statement that distracts from the actual issue at hand.

Loaded Question

A question that contains a false or incriminating assumption, or is framed to serve the agenda of the asker.

Personal Incredulity

Attacking a valid claim as illogical merely because it is not understood, often due to ignorance or dogma.