Logical Fallacies and Rhetorical Strategies in Argumentation

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that may sound reasonable or true but is deceptive and misleading.

Ad Hominem (Abusive)

Attacking the person instead of the argument.

Ad Hominem (Circumstantial)

Suggesting someone's argument is invalid because of their situation or affiliation.

Tu Quoque (You Also)

Rejecting an argument because the opponent does not follow it themselves.

Straw Man Argument

Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

Appeal to Doubtful Authority

Using a famous or non-expert person to support an argument incorrectly.

Appeal to Fear

Trying to convince by threatening or scaring the audience.

Appeal to Pity

Attempting to win sympathy to convince.

Ad Populum

"Everyone is doing it, so should you."

Begging the Question

A circular argument; the premise assumes the conclusion.

Poisoning the Well

Presenting information to discourage discussion or intimidate.

False Dilemma

Suggesting only two alternatives exist when there may be more.

False Cause (Post Hoc)

Assuming a cause/effect relationship because one event follows another.

Slippery Slope

Arguing one action will inevitably lead to extreme consequences.

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a conclusion from too little evidence.

Non Sequitur

A statement that doesn't logically follow from the previous argument.

False Analogy

Comparing two things that aren't similar in relevant aspects.

Equivocation

Changing the meaning of a key term in an argument.