Fallacies Review

Philosophy Midterm - October 22nd

Equivocation

A fallacy that occurs when a key term is used ambiguously in an argument, leading to misleading conclusions.

Accent

A fallacy that arises from the ambiguous use of emphasis or stress on certain words or phrases in an argument, which alters the intended meaning.

Composition

A fallacy that occurs when it is assumed that what is true of the parts is also true of the whole, leading to erroneous conclusions.

Division

A fallacy that occurs when it is assumed that what is true of the whole must also be true of its parts, leading to incorrect conclusions.

Euphemism

A fallacy that employs ambiguous or softened language to downplay or misrepresent the severity of a situation, often misleading the audience.

Dysphemism

A fallacy that uses harsh or negative language to exaggerate or misrepresent a situation, often to incite strong emotional responses.

Pooh-Poohing

A fallacy that involves dismissing an argument or viewpoint without proper consideration, often by mocking or ridiculing it instead of engaging with the substance of the argument.

Shifting the Burden of Proof / Appeal to Ignorance

A fallacy claiming something is true or false due to a lack of proof to the contrary, or demanding an opponent disprove one’s assertion.

Appeal to Antipathy

A fallacy that attempts to persuade by appealing to feelings of dislike or hostility towards an idea, person, or group, rather than by presenting valid reasons.

Appeal to Fear

A fallacy that attempts to persuade by arousing fear in the audience, often by presenting a threat or danger if a particular conclusion is not accepted.

Appeal to Sympathy

A fallacy that attempts to persuade by evoking feelings of pity or compassion in the audience, rather than presenting logical arguments.

Appeal to Identity

A fallacy of arguing that a claim is true or false based on a person’s group identity rather than on evidence or reasoning.

Ignoring the Issue

A fallacy in which someone avoids addressing the main argument or question and talks about something irrelevant instead.

Loaded Question

Contains an unfair or hidden assumption, making it impossible to answer without seeming guilty or agreeing to something unintended.

Begging the Question

When an argument’s conclusion is assumed in its premise, meaning it tries to prove something by simply restating it in different words instead of providing real evidence.

Circular Reasoning

A fallacy where the argument’s conclusion is used as its own proof, creating a loop that doesn’t provide any actual support or evidence.

Straw Man 

A fallacy used when someone misrepresents or exaggerates another person’s argument to make it easier to attack or refute.

Amphiboly

A fallacy that happens when a statement is unclear or misleading because of confusing grammar or sentence structure, leading to a wrong interpretation.