Logical Fallacies

Ad Hominem

when you attack the person making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself. This attempts to discredit the argument by discrediting the person's character, motive, or other attributes. Using things like direct insults, suggesting self-interest, and pointing out hypocrisy.

Red Herring

When someone introduces an irrelevant topic or piece of information to distract from the main issue or argument. It's meant to mislead or shift attention away from what's actually being discussed.

Straw Man

This logical fallacy twists an opponents argument into something extreme making it easier to attack or dispute.

Slipper slopes

An argument that claims an initial action will trigger a series of other events leading to an extreme or undesirable outcome.

Either Or Arguments

oversimplifies a complex issue by presenting only two options as if they were the only possibilities, ignoring other potential solutions or nuances

Hasty Generalization

when a broad conclusion is drawn from a sample size that is too small or unrepresentative.

Bandwagon (Ad Populum)

The argument that something is true for the sole reason that it is popular or widely believed. This is a logical fallacy because it relies on popularity and the appeal to the majority rather than on evidence or sound reasoning.

Begging the question (Circular Logic)

The statement and also conclusion are in the same sentence. The conclusion as evidence usually just goes in a circle rather than just giving stone cold proof.

False Authority

Assuming something is true just because an authority said it, even if that person is not an expert in the field.

False Cause

An incorrect assumption that one thing causes another just because they happened close together in time or seem related.

Appeal to Authority

When an argument claims a statement is true because a person of authority or a reputable source supports it

Appeal to Nature

When a person argues that something is good or right because it is natural, or bad because it is unnatural.

Anecdotal

An anecdotal logical fallacy occurs when someone will support or base their argument based on an experience they had or have heard of. This becomes a logical fallacy when that single experience does not align with reality or the majority of experiences.

Tu Quoque

It's when someone dismisses an argument by pointing out the hypocrisy of the person making it, rather than addressing the argument itself.

Personal Incredulity

where someone dismisses an idea or argument simply because they personally find it difficult to understand or believe-not because there is actual evidence against it.

Genetic

Where a claim is accepted as true or false based on where it comes from, rather than on the strength of the argument itself.