Logical Fallacies

Oversimplified

  • Great reduction of details which gives the false impression that one reason is the only reason for the result. 

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Stacking the deck

  • When writers only show one side of the story, usually one that they favor over the other

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Dogmatism

  • Someone making an argument believes that their positions are absolutely true

    • Ignore the possibility that they could be wrong

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Hasty generalization

  • Making a claim based on only one piece of evidence that is too small

    • Often forms basis for most stereotypes about people, places, or things

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Slippery Slope

  • Discusses how if someone makes a poor decision or action then there will be negative consequences to follow and certainly lead to a devastating conclusion

    • Fallacious - the fallacy is certain to lead to a devastating conclusion
    • Reasonable - the fallacy could lead to a devastating conclusion

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Either/Or Fallacy

  • Big complex situation that is reduced into two extreme options, oftentimes hides legitimate alternatives.

    • “Ether America must support its allies or they will parish ”

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Tu Quoque

  • It means “you too”, meaning that they do the same thing, and are also guilty of the same thing.

    • They are addressing the issue
    • If your mom were to tell you to clean your room then if the kid were to respond that their room is also dirty.

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Guilt by Association

  • The idea that the group of people or a person does the same thing that the people that they are around or associate with. 

    • Like for example if the parents say that their kids' friends are not good to hang out with because they do bad things. 

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Ad Hominem and Tu Quoque

  • Ad hominem arguments are when a person’s character or past is attacked rather than using a reasonable claim.

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Paralipsis

  • A paralipsis is a way of discussing a topic while simultaneously denying it or its presence 

    • Example: it seems like you've been spending lot of money 

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Appeal to fear fallacy

  • It is a fallacy when one side of the argument is worse by making comments or threats to prove your argument. 

    • If you and your friend are swimming meat against each other, and the friend says they cannot be friends if they don't win. 

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Argumentum ad ignorantiam

  • It is an argument that states an argument must true because it hasn't been proven yet, or vise versa

    • “I have never met an Australian, therefore, Australia doesn't exist”

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Card Stacking

  • Also know as a brainwashing method that uses one sided information to argue

    • “Banana chips are surely delightful. They are made by deep frying ripe bananas in coconut oil, it’s loaded with potassium and is good for high cholesterol.”

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Loaded language Logical Fallacy

  • The use of exaggerated words as a way to persuade the listener to one side of the argument. This could also include using slander or praise for this method. 

    • “Why are you using that worse service provider”

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False Dichotomy 

  • Options are limited and incorrectly listed in an argument. Where two choices are present but more choices exist

    • Used to make one side of the argument seem like a better view
    • “You’re either with me or against me”
    • “Love it or leave it”

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Overly Sentimental Appeals

  • Uses emotions to take the attention of the audience away from the facts

    • Politician convincing you to vote for them by guaranteeing your child’s safety
    • “Why love one but eat the other?”

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Weak Analogy Fallacy

  • Comparison between two concepts/situations/things that do not have the strongest link

  • Do not exactly correlate, makes argument more difficult

    • “Apples and oranges taste the same because they are both fruits”

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“Straw Man” Fallacy

  • Attacks an argument harshly and comes out strong even if there is no one on the other side defending. A misinterpretation someone’s argument to make an easier dismissal or opposition 

    • “I think I need some credit” →”oh so money is better than saving the world?” “I didn’t say that” → “so i’m crazy now?”

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Appeal to Tradition

  • Occurs when a claim is thought to be correct because it is a well known belief. It must be true because its tradition

    • “But we’ve always done it this way”
    • “Marriage has always been between man and women so gay marriage is wrong”

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Bandwagon fallacy

  • Someone is convinced or persuaded to do something because other people are doing it, appeal to common belief 
    • “I would never get anything except iphone because everyone has one”