Introduction to Logical Fallacies

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture on 21 commonly committed logical fallacies.

Fallacy

An illogical step or error in reasoning that weakens an argument.

Argument (academic writing)

A claim or conclusion supported by reasons or evidence.

Ad hominem

Attacking a person's character instead of addressing their argument.

Appeal to authority (Argumentum ad Verecundiam)

Using a famous or powerful figure’s endorsement as evidence, even if they lack expertise on the topic.

Appeal to fear

Persuading by instilling fear and promising protection rather than offering logical reasons.

Appeal to pity (Appeal to sympathy)

Seeking acceptance of a claim by eliciting sympathy to avoid responsibility or criticism.

Appeal to popular passions (Argumentum ad Populum)

Claiming something is true or good because it aligns with the audience’s shared beliefs or emotions.

Begging the question (Petitio Principii)

Assuming the conclusion within the premise; arguing in a circle.

Disinformation

Spreading rumors or false information to discredit someone or something.

False dilemma (Either/Or)

Presenting only two options when more alternatives exist.

False analogy

Making a misleading comparison to suggest equivalence between unrelated situations.

Faulty statistics

Manipulating or presenting dubious numerical data to create a false sense of credibility.

Hasty generalization

Drawing a broad conclusion from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.

Ignoring the evidence (Apiorism)

Deliberately overlooking relevant facts that contradict one’s position.

Loaded label or definition

Using emotionally charged or biased wording to sway opinion without logical support.

Non sequitur

Offering a conclusion that does not logically follow from the premises.

Poisoning the well

Discrediting an opponent in advance to bias the audience against them.

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc

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

Red herring

Introducing an unrelated emotional issue to divert attention from the real topic.

Shifting the burden of proof

Demanding that opponents disprove a claim rather than providing evidence for it.

Slippery slope

Arguing that a minor action will lead to a chain of catastrophic events without evidence.

Spin

Manipulating media presentation to cast one’s viewpoint positively and opponents negatively.

Straw man

Misrepresenting an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.