Examples and Definitions for Logical fallacies

Begging the question

is a logical fallacy in which an argument's conclusion is assumed in its premises, creating a circular reasoning flaw.

Sweeping generalization

a logical fallacy that involves making broad claims based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence, often ignoring exceptions.

Tu quoque

is a fallacy that redirects criticism back to the accuser rather than addressing the original argument, effectively deflecting rather than engaging in substance; being a hypocrite.

Equivocation

is a logical fallacy that arises when a word or phrase is used ambiguously within an argument, leading to misleading or erroneous conclusions.

Ad hominem

is a fallacy that attacks the character or motive of the individual making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

Cherry Picking

is a fallacy that involves selectively presenting evidence that supports a particular stance while ignoring evidence that contradicts it, leading to skewed conclusions.

Invalid deduction

is a fallacy in which an argument fails to follow logically from its premises, rendering the conclusion unreliable.

Strawman

is a fallacy that misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack or refute.

Slippery Slope

Assuming that if one thing happens, a series of increasingly bad things will inevitably.

Conflation

Treating two or more different concepts as if they were the same thing.

Casual flaw

Assuming a cause where there is no valid casual connection.

Post hoc

Assuming that because one event followed another, the first caused the second.

Circular Argument

A reasoning error where the conclusion is already assumed in the premises.

Red herring

Introducing an irrelevant topic to distract from the main issue.

False dichotomy

Claiming only two options exist when more actually do.

Bandwagon

Claiming something must be true because everyone believes it or does it.

Confusion of necessary and sufficient conditions

Mixing up what is required for something to happen with what guarantees it.

Non sequitur

Drawing a conclusion that doesn’t logically follow from the evidence provided.

Rash generalization

Making a conclusion based on too little or unrepresentative evidence.

Begging the question

The bible is true because it says so in the Bible.

Sweeping generalization

One bad politician means the entire government is corrupt.

Tu quoque

You say i shouldn´t cheat, but you cheated in college

Equivocation

The sign said “fine for parking here,” so I thought it was okay to park

Ad hominem

Don’t listen to her argument about health eating—she’s overweight.

Cherry picking

Scientists proved coffee is good for you, so forget the studies showing it increases anxiety.

Invalid deduction

All animals are warm-blooded. This animal is warm-blooded, so it must be a mammal.

Strawman

So you think we should have fewer homework assignments? I guess you just want students to learn nothing

Slippery Slope

If we allow cell phones in class, soon kids will stop paying attention altogether and schools will collapse.

Conflation

Justice and revenge are the same thing—they both involve getting what’s deserved

Casual flaw

I failed my test because my pencil broke

Post hoc

The rooster crowed before sunrise, so the rooster caused the sun to rise

Circular argument

The Earth must be round because people all over the world believe it

Red herring

We shouldn’t worry about poverty until we fix the national debt

False dichotomy

You either support this policy, or you hate your country

Bandwagon

Everyone’s buying this brand of sneakers, so it must be the best

Confusion of necessary and sufficient conditions

Getting an A on this test means I'm guaranteed to graduate

Non sequitur

My dog barks at strangers, so he must be a good judge of character

Rash generalization

My two friends from that town are rude, so everyone from there must be rude