The Basics
This type of error occurs when reasoning is flawed, making an argument invalid or weak, even if the conclusion might be true.
What is a logical fallacy?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"You can’t trust her argument about climate change—she’s not even a scientist."
What is Ad Hominem?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"If we allow students to use calculators, next they’ll demand open-book tests, and then no tests at all!"
What is Slippery Slope?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"If it rains, the ground will be wet. It’s not raining, so the ground isn’t wet."
What is Denying the Antecedent?
This element of the Toulmin model is the main point or thesis you are trying to prove.
What is the Claim?
Errors in reasoning based on content, language, or assumptions rather than form fall into this fallacy category
What are informal fallacies?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"We shouldn’t listen to his plan for education reform because he grew up in a poor neighborhood."
What is Genetic Fallacy?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"I wore my lucky socks yesterday and got an A, so I’ll wear them again for the final."
What is Gambler’s Fallacy?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"The team is excellent, so every player must be excellent too."
What is Division?
This element acknowledges opposing viewpoints and explains why your argument still stands.
What is the Rebuttal?
Errors in the logical structure of an argument—usually in deductive reasoning fall into this fallacy category
What are formal fallacies?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"Either you support this new policy, or you don’t care about students at all."
What is False Dilemma?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"The new restaurant is terrible because the last one in that location was bad."
What is Non Sequitur?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"Each player is talented, so the team will definitely win the championship."
What is Composition?
This element provides the evidence or reasons that support your claim.
What are the Grounds or Data?
Your Research Essay needs to contain the following # of sources (not including your own research journal)
What are 5 (4 peer-reviewed)?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"Have you stopped cheating on your homework yet?"
What is Loaded Question?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"We know this diet works because it’s popular among celebrities."
What is Begging the Question (Circular Reasoning)?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
"She said the movie was ‘cool,’ so it must have been cold in the theater."
What is Equivocation?
*DAILY DOUBLE* This element explains why your evidence supports your claim—it connects the dots.
What is the Warrant?
This is the type of argumentation method/model we are currently using for our research essay
What is the Toulmin Model/Method?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
“I wore my new shoes to the exam and aced it; the shoes must be the reason I did well.”
What is Post Hoc (False Cause)?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
“My opponent says we should add more sources to our essays; clearly they want students to memorize footnotes instead of learning to write.”
What is Straw Man?
This statement contains this logical fallacy:
“The study proves the supplement is safe—look, none of the subjects reported side effects.”
(Note: The speaker omits that the study lasted only two days.)
What is Suppressed Evidence?
This element strengthens your warrant by offering additional support, such as scholarly research or theory.
What is the Backing?