Definitions
A logical error in a deductive argument that occurs in the form or structure of an argument.
Formal Fallacy
The fallacy occurs when a person attempts to avoid the issue at hand by claiming the other person is a hypocrite whose actions and words are inconsistent.
Tu quoque
Only man is rational.
No woman is a man.
Therefore, no woman is rational.
Equivocation
A recent study found that 73.462% of people prefer Diet Coke over Diet Pepsi, proving it is the superior product.
Misleading Precision
When we judge the strength of an argument by focusing simply on whether we think the conclusion is true, or whether it fits with our values or beliefs
Belief Bias
A mistake in reasoning that occurs in ordinary language concerning the content of the argument rather than its form.
This fallacy is the mistaken transfer of an attribute of the individual parts of an object to the object as a whole or is the mistaken transfer of an attribute of the individual members of a class to the class itself.
Composition
Politician A: We need gun control to regulate the amount of firearms on our streets.
Politician B: My opponent thinks the constitution is just a piece of paper that doesn't guarantee your rights. I wouldn't be surprised if my opponent thinks people should be thrown in jail for writing a negative restaurant review.
Straw Man
I believe in paranormal activity because I experienced a paranormal event that can only be explained in terms of the paranormal.
Begging the Question
The habit of seeking out information that supports our existing beliefs and avoiding or rejecting information that might undermine those beliefs
Confirmation Bias
An argument is rejected solely on an attack against the person making the argument, not on the merits of the argument itself
Fallacies Based on Personal Attacks
An argument that relies on the opinions of people who either have no expertise, training, or knowledge relevant to the issue at hand, or whose testimony is not trustworthy.
Appeal to an unqualified authority
Either you support the ban on single use plastics, or hate the environment and don't care if sea turtles all die.
False Dichotomy
Of course my opponent says you should eat more vegetables...He's a vegan.
Ad Hominem Circumstantial
DAILY DOUBLE: This bias occurs when our specific judgments or ratings of a person’s abilities, skills, or characteristics are the result of the overall impression we have of that person
Halo and Horns Bias
An argument relies solely on the arousal of a strong emotional or psychological reaction to get a person to accept the conclusion
Fallacies Based on Emotional Appeals
A claim that appears to be statistically significant but is not.
Misleading Precision
I asked all my friends and they think I am very friendly, therefore I am very friendly.
Biased Sample
If you don't support the President's new war, you'll go to jail for treason and never see your family again.
Appeal to Fear or Force
True or False: Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies are the same
False
DAILY DOUBLE: These fallacies assume the truth of some unproved or questionable claim; when the assumptions and lack of support are exposed, the weak points of the argument are exposed.
Fallacies of unwarranted assumption
These fallacies occur when a causal connection is assumed to exist between two events when none actually exists, or when the assumed causal connection is unlikely to exist.
False Cause Fallacies
Politician: All you reporters do is focus on the negative! Why not mention that I broke the course record at Augusta National Golf Club? That's something no one else can do!
Red Herring
You're hair looks awful, like really, really horrid. Don't get mad that I said that, it is important that we always tell the truth!
Rigid Application of a Generalization
FINAL JEOPARDY:
Wager your points!!
Ladies and gentlemen, my opponent wants to implement their new tax plan, but before we listen to them, remember: this is the same person who has repeatedly failed to manage a budget responsibly. If you don’t vote for me, think of the children who will go hungry because the government won’t have enough money. Some say we need change, but clearly, if we just pass any new tax policy, it will inevitably lead to the collapse of the entire economy. And last year, after my opponent gave a speech about education reform, unemployment rose—so obviously their ideas are dangerous. In short, if you support my opponent’s plan, you’re completely ignoring the bigger problem: we can’t risk the future of our country on such reckless ideas.