Logical Fallacies and Argumentative Techniques

These flashcards define common logical fallacies and argumentative techniques.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the character or traits of the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

Appeal to Authority

Arguing that a claim is true simply because an authority figure endorses it, without providing further evidence.

Appeal to Emotion

Manipulating an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument.

Bad Analogy

Making a comparison between two things that are not sufficiently alike to warrant the comparison, leading to misleading conclusions.

Bandwagon Appeal

Arguing that something is true or acceptable simply because it is popular or widely believed.

Begging the Question

Assuming the truth of the conclusion within the premises of the argument, circular reasoning.

Cliché Thinking

Relying on overused phrases or ideas instead of original thought, which can oversimplify complex issues.

Either/Or Fallacy (False Dilemma)

Presenting two options as the only possibilities when more options may exist.

False Analogy

Asserting that because two things are alike in one way, they are alike in other ways as well, which may not hold true.

False Cause (Post Hoc)

Assuming that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second.

Hasty Generalization

Making a broad claim based on a small or unrepresentative sample of evidence.

Non Sequitur

A conclusion that does not logically follow from the premises or statements preceding it.

Red Herring

Introducing an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original issue.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that a relatively small first step will lead to a chain of related events culminating in a significant (usually negative) effect.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting or oversimplifying someone's argument to make it easier to attack or refute.