Definitions
Name the Fallacy
Definitions
100

You presented a circular argument in which the conclusion was included in the premise.

Begging the question

100

Jason said that that was all cool and everything, but his grandfather smoked, like, 30 cigarettes a day and lived until 97 - so don't believe everything you read about meta analyses of methodologically sound studies showing proven causal relationships.

anecdotal

100

You presumed that a real or perceived relationship between things means that one is the cause of the other.

false cause

200

You presented two alternative states as the only possibilities, when in fact more possibilities exist.

black-or-white

200

The makers of Sugarette Candy Drinks point to research showing that of the five countries where Sugarette drinks sell the most units, three of them are in the top ten healthiest countries on Earth, therefore Sugarette drinks are healthy.

The Texas sharpshooter

200

You misrepresented someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

strawman

300

You argued that because something is 'natural' it is therefore valid, justified, inevitable, good or ideal.

appeal to nature

300

Holly said that vaccinations caused autism in children, but her scientifically well-read friend Caleb said that this claim had been debunked and proven false. Their friend Alice offered a compromise that vaccinations must cause some autism, just not all autism.

Middle ground

300

You attempted to manipulate an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument.

appeal to emotion