Logical Fallacies

Vocabulary terms and definitions identifying various types of logical fallacies.

Hasty generalization

An inference drawn from insufficient evidence.

Faulty Causality

Incorrect assumption that one event caused another event.

Either/or

Unfair oversimplification of an issue by providing only two options as the possible solution.

Slippery slope

Exaggeration of the likely consequences of an action, designed to show a misstep.

Bandwagon

Arguments urging you to follow the same path that everyone else is taking.

Sentimental appeal

Playing on the readers emotions to distract them from the facts.

Scare tactics

Using fear to sway people by exaggerating possible dangers well beyond their statistical likelihood.

Appeal to false authority

Presenting to an unqualified person or institution as a source of credible information.

Ad hominem

When you attack a person’s character instead of the quality of their ideas.

Straw man

Misrepresenting or twisting someone’s argument so it is easier to attack and knock down.

Appeal to authority

A logical error that happens when someone claims a statement is true simply because an authority figure or supposed expert said it, rather than offering actual evidence or logical proof.

Non-sequitur

A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement.