Fallacys

Either-or Fallacy

When an argument suggests that there are ONLY 2 options or potential outcomes 

Usually the intent is to lead the audience to believe that one of the outcomes is the obvious “correct” choice

Hasty Generalization

Making a rushed conclusion without considering all of the factors or variables

Stereotypes are a form of hasty generalization

Appeals to Ignorance

Saying something must be true (or false) because there isn’t evidence to the contrary

Bandwagon Appeal

If the main premise of the argument is that many people believe it or agree with it or do it so it must be true/good/acceptable, then it’s a bandwagon fallacy

Authority Appeal

While it can build ethos to have a source of authority “endorse” an argument, it becomes a fallacy if the entire premise of the argument is that “a famous person believes it so it must be true,” or if the endorser doesn’t have anything to do with the topic of the argument

Ad hominem

Attacking the person’s character or credentials instead of addressing the real argument they are making

Slippery Slope

This type of argument suggests that taking a minor action will lead to major and sometimes ridiculous consequences

False/Faulty Causality

This is the assumption that because one event followed another, the first caused the second

Weak Analogy

This fallacy is when an analogy is used to prove or disprove an argument, but the analogy is too dissimilar to be effective

That is, it is unlike the argument more than it is like the argument

Appeals to Pity/Overly Emotional Appeal

When the appeal to pathos (pity, fear, pride, vanity) is the basis of the argumen

Strawman Argument

If one is arguing something related to the topic, but avoiding the ACTUAL topic, they are making a straw man argument