Logical Fallacies

Hasty Generalization

An inference drawn from insufficient evidence

Faulty Casualty/Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc Fallacy

Incorrect assumption that because one event or action follows another, the first caused the second - correlation does not imply causation

Either/Or/False Dichotomy/False Dilemma

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

Slippery Slope

Exaggeration of the likely consequences of an action, designed to to show that a misstep today could result in a disaster in the future

Bandwagon

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

Sentimental Appeal

Playing on readers’ emotions to distract them from the facts

Scare Tactics

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

Appeal to False Authority

Presenting an unqualified person or institution as a soruce of credible information

Ad Hominem

When an opponent attacks a persons character rather than the quality of their idea

Straw Man

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

Tu Quoque

Type of ad hominem when you accuse your opponent being a hypocrite instead of addressing his/her point

Circumlocation

Use of too many words with the intent of being vague

Equivocation

The use of vague language with the intent to avoid commiting to a specific stance

Argument by Verbosity

Overwhelming your opponent with as many arguments as possible