logical fallacies

Hasty Generalization

A broad claim rests on too few or unrepresentative examples.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

Assumes A caused B because B happened after A.

Slippery Slope

Predicts an extreme chain of consequences without adequately supporting the links.

False Dichotomy

Offers only two choices when other reasonable options exist.

Petitio Principii / Begging the Question

Assumes the conclusion in the reasons offered to prove it.

Non Sequitur

The conclusion is not adequately supported by the stated reasons.

Ad Hominem

Dismisses an argument by attacking its speaker rather than addressing the reasoning.

Genetic Fallacy

Accepts or rejects an idea solely because of its origin.

Ad Verecundiam / Appeal to Authority

Treats an unqualified or inappropriate authority as decisive proof.

Ad Populum / Appeal to Popularity

Treats widespread agreement as proof that a claim is correct.

Ad Antiquitatem / Appeal to Tradition

Treats a practice's age as sufficient reason to keep it.

Ipse Dixit / Bare Assertion

Expects a claim to be accepted just because it is asserted.

Ad Passiones / Appeal to Emotion

Feelings replace relevant, sufficient reasons.

Ad Metum / Ad Terrorem

Uses frightening outcomes as inadequate support for an argument.

Ad Odium

Uses hostility toward a person or group as a reason to agree.

Ad Invidiam / Envy / Resentment

Exploits resentment of others' advantages as proof.

Ad Blanditias

Uses praise of the audience to secure agreement.

Appeal to Pride

Pressures agreement through intelligence, honor, superiority, or group identity.

Ad Ridiculum

Mocks a position instead of demonstrating its weakness.

Ad Fastidium

Treats a feeling of revulsion as proof that a claim is wrong.

Ad Misericordiam

Uses sympathy as a substitute for relevant evidence.

Red Herring

Introduces an irrelevant issue that distracts from the original question.

Straw Man

Distorts someone else's position to make it easier to attack.

Ignoratio Elenchi / Irrelevant Conclusion

Supports a different conclusion from the one at issue.

Whataboutism / Tu Quoque

Deflects with another wrong; specifically accuses the critic of hypocrisy.

Motte & Bailey

Retreats to a safer claim, then treats defending it as defending the original, stronger claim.