Fallacies

slippery slope

this is a conclusion based on the premise that if A happens then eventually through a series of small steps, through B,C,…,X,Y,Z will happen, too, basically equating A and Z. So, if we don’t want Z to occur, A must not be allowed to occur either

hasty generalization

this is a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence. in other words, you are rushing to a conclusion before you have all the relevant facts

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

this is a conclusion that assumes that is ‘A’ occurred after ‘B’ then ‘B’ must have caused "‘‘

genetic fallacy

this conculsion is based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth

begging the claim

the conclusion that the writer should prove is validated within the claim

circular argument

this restates the argument rather than actually proving it

either/or

this is a conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only 2 sides or choices

ad hominem

this is an attack on the character of a person rather than their opinions or arguments

ad populum/ bandwaggon appeal

this is an appeal that presents what most people, or a group of people think, in order to persuade one to think the same way

red herring

this is a diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing the,

straw man

this move oversimplifies an opponent’s viewpoint and the attacks that hollow argument

moral equivalance 

this fallacy compares the minor misdeeds with major atrocities, suggesting that both are equally immoral