Logical Fallacy

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a broad conclusion from too little evidence. Example: One dog bit me, so all dogs are mean.

Faulty Causality

Assuming one event caused another just because it happened first. Example: I wore lucky socks, so we won.

Either/Or

Presenting only two choices when more exist. Example: Either you agree with me or you’re my enemy.

Slippery Slope

Claiming without enough evidence that a small step will set off a chain of disastrous events. Example: One late assignment and soon nobody will turn anything in.

Bandwagon

Claiming you should believe or do something because it’s popular. Example: Everyone buys it, so you should too.

Sentimental Appeal

Using feelings such as pity in place of relevant evidence. Example: Give me an A because I’ll be sad.

Scare Tactics

Exaggerating a danger to frighten people into agreeing. Example: Vote for me or your town will collapse.

Appeal to False Authority

Treating someone’s opinion as proof when they lack relevant expertise. Example: An actor says it cures colds, so it must work.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person in place of addressing their argument. Example: Your plan is wrong because you’re lazy.

Tu Quoque

Dismissing someone’s point by accusing them of hypocrisy. Example: You litter too, so your criticism is invalid.

Straw Man

Twisting someone’s argument into a weaker claim that’s easier to attack. Example: You want less homework, so you want us to learn nothing.