Avoiding the Question
Changing or exaggerating an opponent's position to make it easier to refute
What is Straw Man?
Assuming that if we take one step, nothing will stop us from taking a series of steps because each step is the same
What is Slippery Slope?
Claiming that some items with only minor similarities are the same in almost everything else
What is Weak Analogy?
Pressuring us to do something just because many other people like us are doing it
What is Bandwagon?
Grizzly bears can't be dangerous - they look so cute.
What is Red Herring?
Have you stopped beating your poor dog yet?
What is Loaded Question?
There must be mountain lions living in Illinois because I haven't seen any proof that none exist.
What is Proof by Lack of Evidence?
Repeating a message loudly and very often in the hope that we will believe it
Using a double standard or arguing for an unjustified exception
What is Special Pleading?
What is Equivocation?
All plumbers are brilliant. I know a plumber who can calculate pi to the 289,954th digit.
What is Hasty Generalization?
Buy Skunk Brand perfume. You will stand out from the crowd.
What is Snob Appeal?
Mr. Gritchus: Because belts were developed in the military centuries ago and were used by soldiers. Since the military is evil, and belts came from the military, therefore I can't wear a belt.
What is Genetic Fallacy?
Jimmy: Dad, why do I have to learn logic?
Dad: Because it will help to develop your mind.
Jimmy: Why will it develop my mind?
Dad: Because it will help you think better.
What is Circular Reasoning?
Our rooster crows every morning. Then the sun comes up. No do you understand how important roosters are?
What is Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc?
Hey, Bert, you need to buy a pair of these new Niko shoes. They have hi-tech Dinotraction. It's a new special feature that helps you cling onto the back of a running plesiosaur without falling off.
What is Appeal to Hi-tech?
Mrs.: Our car isn't running right. I think we need to buy a better one - something more comfortable.
Jr.: Oh, so you want us to buy a brand new fancy car? I don't think we have enough money for a Rolls Royce.
What is Straw Man?
In this year's games, Team America has won more medals than any other team in history. So Jim, who's on Team America, must be a great athlete.
What is Whole-to-Part?
Son to Father: Dad, a family is like a nation in many ways. They both are a group of people related to each other in some way, and they both are an independent entity. Since we all know that a nation works best when it is a democracy, I think we should hold an election to see who will make the decisions around here.
What is Weak Analogy?
But officer, this is the fifth ticket I've gotten this year. If I get another ticket, then they will take my license away, and I won't be able to drive to work. My wife and children will starve.
What is Appeal to Pity?