Logical Fallacies

Fallacy

Fallacy

1. a deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief

2. a misleading or unsound argument

Sweeping Generalization

An argument based on the assumption that all people, situations, or events of a kind are the same

Non Sequitur

No logical connection

Red Herring

Presents an irrelevant topic to divert attention away from the original issue

Weak analogy

Comparing  situations, people, objects, etc. that aren’t quite alike

False dichotomy

1. either-or fallacy or false dilemma

2. When only two choices are presented yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two extremes.

Scare tactics

Exaggerated threats

Slippery Slope

One small event has tremendously exaggerated consequences.

Appeal to Pity

Get you to accept something by making you feel sorry for someone

Ad Populum

1. appeal to popularity or hopping on the bandwagon

2. Using the popularity of a premise or proposition as evidence for its truthfulness.

Dogmatism

Holding something as true without factual foundation, proof, and consideration for alternative views.

Ad Hominem

1. Character attack: A person makes one mistake, and they are a bad person in every other area of their life.

2. Also, attacking the person, not the issue.

Appeal to authority

1. Name-dropping to impress readers/viewers

2. The reference to an "expert" who actually is not qualified to speak with authority on the issue