Understanding Common Logical Fallacies

Ad hominem

This trick, literally translated as 'to the man,' subtly or overtly distorts a person's character, destroying their credibility no matter how valid their argument is.

Appeal to authority

Traditionally called Argumentum ad Verecundiam, this fallacy occurs when people listen to someone famous or powerful, even to a celebrity who has no connection with what's being endorsed.

Appeal to fear

This trick causes your audience to fear others and seek your protection.

Appeal to pity

This allows manipulators to avoid responsibility for something by eliciting sympathy.

Appeal to popular passions

Traditionally called Argumentum ad Populum, this trick implies that the manipulator shares the same views as the audience.

Begging the question

Traditionally called Petitio Principii, this fallacy leans on an argument that may not be true in the first place.

False dilemma

A false dilemma assumes that only two options exist.

False analogy

This trick uses misleading comparisons to make the arguer seem right.

Hasty generalization

This means rushing to conclusions based on incomplete information.

Non sequitur

Translated as 'it does not follow,' non sequitur refers to any claim that doesn't follow from its premises or is supported by irrelevant premises.

Poisoning the well

Arguers poison the well by discrediting an opponent or opposing view in advance.

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc

Meaning 'after this, therefore because of this,' this fallacy happens when a sequential relationship is mistaken for a causal relationship.

Red herring

A red herring is an emotionally charged issue brought up to divert attention from something the manipulator wants to avoid.

Shifting the burden of proof

Manipulators try to shift the burden of proof to their opponent.

Slippery slope

This implies that the end result of today's actions could be something terrible.

Straw man

Mischaracterizing an argument to make it appear weak or extreme.