Fallacies of Language

Equivocation

use of a word or phrase that suddenly has a different meaning; hope no one notices

ex. tree bark to dog bark; man as in race and man as in gender

Equivocation Subdivision: Accent Fallacy

meaning changes depending on vocal inflection; hearing clears up misunderstandings

amphiboly

ambiguity, reference of pronouns, misplaced modifiers and punctuation

slanting

bias in use of terms selected, selective info presented

ex. propaganda, spin, euphemisms, synonyms

slogans

phrases used to stand for a cause, used a sub for an arg

hyperbole

exaggerate importance (manipulate)

ex.“happiest place on earth”

straw man

changing opp’s arg into someting it’s not

ex. too young to date/lock me in my room?!