Scenarios
Santa must exist because no one has proven he is fake.
Burden of Proof
Fallacy Fallacy
Presuming that because a claim was poorly argued, or had an error in reasoning, the claim itself must be wrong.
If we don't order sushi for dinner, we'll have to eat the old leftover pasta in the fridge.
False Dilemma
False Cause
When someone assumes a casual connection without proof.
Data shows that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in motorcycle accidents.
No, because it is based on evidence.
Everyone waits until the last minute to write their paper. It's totally fine if you do it too!
Bandwagon
Straw Man Fallacy
Critiquing an oversimplified, inaccurate version of someone's argument instead of the actual argument
Black-or-White Fallacy
Personal Incredulity
When someone rejects an argument or idea because they do not understand or believe it.
Everyone is buying a PS5, so it must be the best console.
Yes, that is the bandwagon fallacy.
Have you finally stopped cheating on your exams?
Loaded Questions
Special Pleading
When someone claims an exception to a general principle without justification.
We're innocent because the report says we did no wrong.
Begging The Question
Genetic
When the validity of an argument is based on the origins or history, rather than the facts.
The thief stole my cat wearing camouflage.
Yes, this is an example of fallacy of ambiguity.
Your sibling is trying to convince you to give them the last piece of dessert by saying, "You know how much I love it, and it's been such a rough day for me. This cake would make it so much better.."
Ad Hominem
When someone attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.
"Max wants to buy a dog, not a cat."
Sherry said, "Why does Max hate cats so bad?"
Red Herring
Middle Ground
When one claims that the middle between two extreme options or topics must be the truth.
I was stung by a bee, so all bees are aggressive and will sting you.
Yes, this is an example of the anecdotal fallacy.
Smoking is not harmful because my grandfather smoked every day and lived to be 92.
Anecdotal
Texas Sharpshooter
When people ignore the differences while focusing on the similarities, making them come to an inaccurate conclusion.
The next dice roll is more likely to be a six because there have recently been fewer than the expected number of sixes.
Gambler's Fallacy
Composition/Division
When you assume that parts or members of a whole will have the same properties as the whole.
Even though there are benefits to this new policy, there are also potential setbacks that need to considered.
No, this is a balanced perspective.