Types of Reasoning and Logical Fallacies

These flashcards cover key concepts related to types of reasoning and logical fallacies discussed in the lecture notes.

What is inductive reasoning?

A reasoning pattern that identifies patterns and likelihood of recurrence through plentiful examples.

Define deductive reasoning.

Reasoning that moves from a generally accepted claim to make an argument about a specific instance.

What are syllogisms?

A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.

What is a rhetorical syllogism (enthymeme)?

It omits a major or minor premise, allowing the audience to fill in the gap.

What is a hasty generalization?

An inductive reasoning fallacy that occurs when too few examples are cited to support a conclusion.

Explain the red herring fallacy.

An argument posed to distract from the main argument, often seen in debates or Q&A sessions.

What is a slippery slope argument?

An argument suggesting that one action will inevitably lead to a series of undesirable actions.

Define ad hominem fallacy.

When a speaker attacks another person rather than addressing their argument.

What is false authority?

An argument made by someone without proper knowledge or qualifications, who is perceived as credible.

What is bandwagon reasoning?

Arguing for a course of action based on its popularity among others.

Explain the false dilemma fallacy.

Presenting only two options to an audience, forcing them to choose one.

What is the appeal to tradition fallacy?

Arguing that something should continue because it has always been done that way.

Define false cause fallacy.

Claiming one thing caused another without sufficient evidence, often confusing correlation with causation.

What is causal reasoning?

Establishing a direct cause and effect relationship, not just correlation.

Explain analogical reasoning.

Reasoning that suggests what is true for one thing is likely true for another, based on their similarities.

What is reasoning by sign?

Using present signs to suggest that something else is likely to occur, though not always true.