Chapter 2 Logic

Formal Fallacy

An error in reasoning that involves the explicit use of an invalid form.

Informal Fallacy

An error in reasoning that does not involve the explicit use of an invalid form.

ad hominem fallacy

An argument that involves attacking the person who advances an argument as opposed to providing rational critique of the argument itself.

Abusive ad hominem

An argument that involves an attempt to discredit an argument or view by launching a direct personal attack.

Circumstantial ad hominem

An argument that involves an attempt to discredit an argument or view by calling attention to the circumstances or situation of those who advance it.

Tu quoque

An argument that involves an attempt to discredit an argument or view by suggesting that one’s opponent is hypocritical.

Straw man fallacy

When the arguer attacks a misrepresentation of the opponent’s view.

Appeal to force(ad baculum fallacy)

When a conclusion is defended by a threat to the well-being of those who do not accept it.

Appeal to the people(ad populum fallacy)

An attempt to persuade a person or group by appealing to the desire to be accepted or valued by others.

Appeal to pity(ad misericordiam fallacy)

An attempt to support a conclusion merely by evoking pity in one’s audience.

Appeal to ignorance (ad ignorantiam fallacy)

This fallacy may include the following, either a claim that a statement is true simply because it has not been proven false, or the claim that a statement is fale simply because it has not been proven.

Red herring fallacy(ignoratio elenchi fallacy)

When the premise of an argument are logically unrelated to the conclusion.