Logical Fallacies and Critical Thinking: Key Concepts for Analyzing Arguments

Cherry Picking

Ignoring data that you don't support.

Tu Quoque

Pointing out a negative quality of someone when you possess the same quality.

when you think something is false just because you dont understand it

Personal Incredulity

Moving the Goal Posts

Changing the rules of an argument to win.

Burden of Proof

The one who makes the positive claim is the one who has to prove it.

False Dichotomy

When only two options are given, but there are actually other options.

When someone presents themselves as credible and reliable but they are not.

False Authority

Straw Man

When you present your opponent's side as weak.

Red Herring

Changing the subject to distract the reader.

Slippery Slope

If this happens, then something bad may happen.

Ad Hominem

Attack on person, not argument.

Ad Populum

Claims the more popular side is right.

Causation vs. Correlation

Correlation does NOT equal causation.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

saying that Event B is caused by an earlier event (Event A), ignoring any other possible conclusions

Pathetic Fallacy

Playing with audience's emotions to persuade them.

Evidence is just a claim restated.

Circular Argument