Fallacies

Flashcards on Fallacies in Arguments

What is a fallacy in argumentation?

A fallacy occurs when the premises do not support the conclusion, often appearing as a good argument.

What is the ad hominem fallacy?

The ad hominem fallacy attacks the character of the speaker instead of addressing the argument itself.

What is the attacking the motive fallacy?

This fallacy reasons that if an arguer benefits from their claim being true, the argument must be false.

Why is attacking the motive fallacious?

Having a motive doesn't automatically make a claim false; the argument's merits still matter.

What is the 'look who's talking' fallacy?

Rejecting a claim because the speaker is hypocritical, not practicing what they preach.

Why is the 'look who's talking' fallacy flawed?

A person's actions do not invalidate the truth of their claims.

Describe the slippery slope fallacy.

Claiming that allowing one action will inevitably lead to a series of undesirable consequences without sufficient evidence.

What is the core issue with the slippery slope fallacy?

It assumes a causal chain without providing evidence for the link between the initial action and the alleged consequences.

What characterizes the fallacy of equivocation?

It takes place when the arguer illegitimately employs two different meanings of the same term/expression in different premises of the same argument.

What is the problem with the fallacy of equivocation?

Failing to notice an ambiguity, thereby accepting the conclusion of an argument, when one should not have.