Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies

Errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person who is making an argument rather that the argument itself.

False Dichotomy (Either/Or)

Only allowing 2 options when more than one exist.

Strawman

Misrepresenting/Oversimplifying an argument to make it arguable/dissectible.

Appeal to Fear

Using fear/intimidation instead of logical reasoning to persuade.

Hasty Generalization

Instantly concluding with insufficient evidence which leads to a broad generalization.

Circular Reasoning

Supporting a claim with the claim itself/restating the claim.

Appeal to Unjustified Authority.

Establishing credibility by alluding to a popular/authoritative figure even if it is not relevant/there is an irrelevant connection.

Appeal to Ignorance (Argumentum ad Ignorantiam)

Claiming something to be true/false because it hasn’t been proven otherwise.

Red Herring (Ignoratio Elenchi)

Introducing irrelevance to distract from the main argument.

Bandwagon (Ad Populum)

Appealing to popularity as a reason for accepting it as true. Claiming something is correct because it’s popular.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that one thing will disproportionately lead to another with insufficient evidence.

Post Hoc (False Cause)

Assuming relevance/connection where there is none.