Logical Fallacies

Flashcards for studying logical fallacies, flaws, and weaknesses in arguments.

Conflation

Concealing a step in reasoning by treating two words or expressions as if they were interchangeable even though their meanings are different.

Begging the Question

Focusing an argument on an uncontroversial aspect of an issue while stipulating or assuming the key point.

Invalid Deduction

An invalid argument.

Sweeping Generalization

Not allowing any exceptions to a generalization.

False Dichotomy

Presenting two options as if they were the only options--denying any moderate position.

Confusion of Necessary and Sufficient Conditions

Confusing sufficient conditions with necessary ones.

Counter Attack (tu quoque)

Rejecting criticisms on the grounds that one's opponent or others are guilty of the same or equally bad conduct.

Equivocation

Concealing a step in reasoning by tacitly shifting from one meaning of a word or expression to another.

Circular Argument

Relying on a claim in order to prove it.

Casual Flaw

Correlation does not equal causation

Rash Generalization

Basing a generalization on inadequate evidence (jumping to conclusions)

Slippery Slope

Suggesting that one minor change will lead to significant and disastrous changes down the line.

Personal Attack (ad hominem)

Criticizing an opponent personally instead of responding to their arguments.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting opponents' arguments in order to respond to them more easily.