Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies

• Definition: Logical fallacies refer to "false logic" or "failed logic" that speakers utilize to sway audiences to their perspective.

• Characteristics:

  • Not stable arguments; easily debunked.

  • Important to avoid in personal arguments, but can be useful for identifying flaws in counterarguments.

Types of Logical Fallacies

• Ad Hominem: Attacks a person's character instead of addressing the argument.

• Appeal to Pity: Attempts to convince through emotional manipulation, focusing on pity.

• Appeal to Popular Passions: Claims something is correct or good based solely on popular belief.

• Begging the Question: Assumes the truth of what it’s trying to prove via circular reasoning.

• False Dilemma: Presents limited choices, often only two, to persuade.

• Hasty Generalization: Bases conclusions on insufficient or limited information.

• Non-sequitur: Presents arguments that are unrelated to the premise; evidence is irrelevant.

• Red Herring: Diverts attention away from the real issue by introducing extraneous information.

• Slippery Slope: Claims that one action will lead to a series of increasingly negative events.

• Strawman: Distorts or simplifies an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.