Logical Fallacies

Faulty Analogy

Comparing two items that are irrelevant-that do not pose a valid comparison

Non Sequitur

A conclusion that has no visible connection to the support for the claim.

Begging the Question

The situation that results when the speaker or writer constructs an argument on an assumption that the audience does not accept; arguer does not provide any real evidence.

Circular Reasoning

Just restates the argument rather than proving it. (Uses its own conclusion as one of its premises.)

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

After this, therefore because of this; assuming that since B comes after A, then A must have caused B.

Hasty Generalization

Jumping to conclusions-insufficient evidence for the inductive reasoning used to support a claim.

Equivocation

Being ambiguous in order to mislead; sliding between two or more different meanings of a single word or phrase that is important to the argument.

Red Herring

(Ignoring the question; smoke screen.) Partway through an argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what’s really at stake.

Strawman

The arguer sets up a wimpy version of the opponent’s position and tries to score points by knocking it down.

Either/Or Fallacy

Arguer sets up a complex argument to look like there are only two choices.

Slippery Slope

Arguer claims that a chain reaction will end in some dire consequence, but there’s really not enough evidence for that assumption.

False Authority

The ‘authority is not an expert, or his/her colleagues disagree, or the reference to the authority is out of context.

False Dillema

Presents only two options or sides when there are many options or sides.