AP Lang Fallacies

Ad Hominem

Criticizing/discrediting an argument mainly based on (assumptions about) the person saying it

Argument from False Authority

Someone who might know something about a topic makes a claim, but doesn't make that person right in this particular instance. Also, random endorsements. Someone is known for something, so we trust judgment in another capacity.

Appeal to Ignorance

If it hasn't been proven false, it must be true; conversely, If it hasn't been proven true, it must be false

Begging the Question

Circular logic that assumes false ideas are true to prove a point, keeps returning to original information/point in question

Hasty Generalization

Forming a conclusion based on partial evidence, or assuming one is true of all

False Dichotomy

Presenting the notion that only two extreme options exist, no middle ground

Slippery Slope

Give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile! The worst will result from small changes.

Faulty Causality

Setting up a cause/effect relationship when a definite correlation cannot be proven.

Hypothesis Contrary to Fact

Relies on a hypothetical situation and draws conclusion based on a premise that cannot be proven. Like faulty causality, it assumes one cause was solely responsible for an outcome.

Straw Man Argument

Oversimplification of one's argument that makes it easier to attack (Easy to undermine/blow over because of absolutes)

Red Herring

A distraction to shift attention from the issue at hand

Sunk Cost Fallacy

the arguer justifies their decision to continue a specific course of action by the amount of time, money, or effort they've already spent on it

Bandwagon

Peer-pressure; encourages people to agree with reasons because many others do (Ad Populum). Assumes majority must be right.

Snob Appeal / Plain Folk

Appeals to specific demographic of Bandwagon- identify with place in society. Assumes people like me must know better.

Dogmatism

Speaker assumes he is best and that is why he is right; "I'm correct because I'm correct"

Equivocation

Lying by omission, deliberately hiding the entire truth

Faulty Analogy

Misleading comparison between two things, bad metaphor

Tu Quoque

Justifying an error in reasoning by pointing out that one's opponent has made the same error

Rationalization

Perceived controversial behaviors or feelings are explained in a rational or logical manner to avoid the true explanation.

Guilt by Association

An unfair attempt to make someone responsible for the beliefs or actions of others.

Post Hoc

Assuming that A caused B simply because A happened prior to B.