Induction, Deduction, and Logical Fallacies

Flashcards covering inductive and deductive reasoning as well as common logical fallacies and their definitions.

How is induction defined in reasoning?

Looking for many examples and drawing a conclusion.

How is deduction defined in reasoning?

Basic principles that lead to a specific case.

What is the meaning of a false cause (post hoc, ergo propter hoc) fallacy?

"After this, therefore because of this."

What is a non sequitur fallacy?

A statement that has no logical connection to the preceding.

What does begging the question involve?

Taking for granted what is supposed to be proved (defending an idea by assuming it's true).

How is an appeal to doubtful authority described?

Citing as expert testimony the opinions of someone else.

What is an ad hominem argument?

"To the man"—attacking a person's qualities for the sake of argument.

What is either/or reasoning?

Acting as though a complicated argument has only 2 sides.

What is a hasty generalization?

Conclusions based on little evidence.

What is a false analogy, and what example is given?

Faulty comparisons (such as "kids are like dogs").

What is a red herring?

Misleading readers by distracting them from the main argument (a type of non sequitur).

What is oversimplification in an argument?

Assigning insufficient causes to explain an effect or justify a conclusion.

According to the notes, how is the bandwagon fallacy defined?

Defending an idea by assuming it is true.

What is equivocation, and what example illustrates it?

Shifting the meaning of a word (for example, "Dr. Davis can prescribe medicine").

What is guilt by association?

Attacking someone by attacking their associates.

What is a slippery slope fallacy?

Attacking an idea by claiming that it must lead to distant consequences.