Logical Fallacies and Satire

Hasty Generalization

Making a broad conclusion based on too little evidence. Example: "I met one rude kid from JP, so everyone there must be rude."

Missing the Point

The conclusion does not logically follow from the argument. Example: "School is stressful... so we should ban homework forever."

Post Hoc (False Cause)

Assuming A caused B just because A happened before B. Example: "I wore my lucky hoodie and got a 95, so the hoodie caused it."

Slippery Slope

Claiming one small step will lead to extreme consequences. Example: "One bad grade means you'll fail school and ruin your life."

Faulty Analogy

Comparing two things that aren't truly comparable. Example: "Teachers grading us is like bosses spying on workers."

Appeal to Authority

Using a non-expert's opinion as evidence. Example: "An influencer said this diet works, so it must be true."

Appeal to Pity

Using sympathy instead of logic. Example: "You should give me an A because I had a bad week."

Appeal to Ignorance

Saying something is true because it hasn't been proven false. Example: "No one proved aliens don't exist, so they must be real."

Straw Man

Misrepresenting someone's argument to attack it. Example: "We need less homework." → "So you think school should be optional?"

Red Herring

Introducing something irrelevant to distract from the main issue. Example: "Why is your project late?" → "Other kids didn't turn theirs in!"

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two extreme options when more exist. Example: "Either you love math or you're bad at it."

Begging the Question

The argument assumes its own conclusion is true. Example: "Phones should be banned because students shouldn't have phones."

Equivocation

Using ambiguous words to mislead. Example: "A feather is light. Light means not heavy. So a feather can't be heavy."

Circular Reasoning

Restating the conclusion as the premise. Example: "He's a great leader because he leads well."

Non Sequitur

Conclusion doesn't logically follow. Example: "She gets good grades, so she must be great at basketball."

Ad Misericordiam

Using emotional appeals instead of reasoning. Example: "Don't give me detention—I'm already stressed."

Poisoning the Well

Attacking someone before they speak. Example: "Don't trust his presentation—he never knows anything."

Appeal to Tradition

Claiming something is correct because it's always been done that way. Example: "We shouldn't change the schedule—it's tradition."

Stacking the Deck

Only presenting the evidence that supports your side. Example: Showing only good reviews and hiding bad ones.

Hypothesis Contrary to Fact

Making claims about what would have happened in an unreal situation. Example: "If I went to that school, I'd be famous now."

Moving the Goalposts

Changing the criteria after someone meets the original expectation. Example: "You gave proof, but now I need more proof."

Reductio Ad Absurdum

• also known as "reducing to an absurdity." It involves extending someone’s arguments to ridiculous proportions then criticizing the result that no reasonable person would take such a position.

Exaggeration

To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen.  

Hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Absurdum

Taking something to an extreme to make a point 

Understatement 

diminishes statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Incongruity

To present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings. 

Reversal

To present the opposite of the normal order (the order of events, standard order of something obvious.)

Situational Irony-

A contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Verbal Irony-

When a writer or character says 

one something but means the 

opposite.

Understatement-

A form of Irony that creates 

emphasis 

by saying less than what 

is true or appropriate.

Sarcasm

The use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say especially in order to insult someone, 

to show irritation, 

or to be funny.

Judgement 

When character, intelligence, beliefs, decisions or preferences are questioned in a way that causes shame

Play/ Wit 

mockery, imitation, and clever humor 

Misunderstanding

Intentional misinterpretation or misunderstanding of in a conversation, situation, or circumstance 

Parody

To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing.

direct satire

a form of satire where the author or a first-person narrator explicitly and openly addresses the reader or another character to criticize individuals, institutions, or society

indirect satire

a form of satire that critiques its subjects subtly through a narrative, rather than direct condemnation or explicit statements of fault

satire 

• A literary genre that uses irony, wit, and sarcasm  to expose one of humanity’s vices and quirks

• A way to inspire change and reform through ridicule and humor