Appeals
Appeal to coincidence
Concluding that a result is due to chance when evidence suggests otherwise.
Amazing Familiarity
Argument contains information that seems impossible to have obtained
Discriminate
To differentiate; to make a clear distinction; to see the difference
Impartial
Unbiased; neutral
Oblivious
Unaware; unconscious
Definition and word family of Ambiguous
Having more than one meaning; vague
Adjective
Appeal to anonymous authority
An unspecified source is used as evidence for the claim
Ambiguous Assertion
An unclear phrase with multiple definitions is used within the argument.
Embellish
To add details; to exaggerate
Fervent
Passionate
Obscure
Unclear; clouded; partially hidden; hard to understand.
Definition and word family of Vagrant
A wandering homeless person; a tramp
Noun
Appeal to Complexity
Concluding that because you don’t understand something, it must not be true, it’s improbable, or the argument must be flawed
Affirming the Consequent
Taking a true statement and invalidly concluding its converse.
Innovate
To be creative; to introduce something new
Stagnant
Not moving
Objective
Without bias (as opposed to subjective)
Definition and word family of undermine
To weaken; to wear the foundation of
Verb
Appeal to False Authority
Using an alleged authority as evidence in your argument when the authority is not really an authority on the facts relevant to the argument.
Ad Hominem
Directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining.
Denounce
To speak out against; to condemn
Indifferent
Not caring one way to the other; lacking a preference; neutral
Candid
Honest; frank
Definition and word family of innovate
To be creative; to introduce something new
Verb
Appeal to Force
When force, coercion, or even a threat of force is used in place of a reason in an attempt to justify a conclusion.
Apathy
Lack of emotion or interest
Revere
To worship
Contentious
Quarrelsome
Ostentatious
Showing off
Definition and word family of discern
To distinguish one thing from another
Verb