Fallacies
Latin for "to the man", this fallacy refers to the specific diversionary tactic of switching the argument from the issue at hand to the character of the other speaker.
ad hominem
Introduces the reader to the subject under discussion
Introduction (exordium)
a logical structure that uses the major premise and minor premise ti reach a necessary conclusion.
Syllogism
a fallacy that occurs when a speaker chooses a deliberately poor or oversimplification example in order to ridicule and refute an idea
Straw Man
Evidence that is accessed through research, reading, and investigation. It includes factual and historical information, expert opinion, and quantitative data.
Second-hand evidence
This fallacy occurs then evidence boils down to "everybody's doing it, so it must be a good thing to do."
ad populum (bandwagon appeal)
Provides factual information and background material on the subject at hand or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing
narration (narratio)
Fallacies are potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument. They often arise from a failure to make a logical connection between the claim and the evidence used to support it.
fallacy
the fallacy that is summarized as saying that correlation does not imply causation
post hoc ergo propter hoc
Evidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's form personal experience, observations, or general knowledge of events.
First-hand evidence
This fallacy occurs when someone who has no expertise to speak on an issue is cited as an authority.
appeal to false authority
Usually the major part of the text, the confirmation includes the proof needed to make the writer's case
confirmation (confirmatio)
a logical process whereby the writer reasons from particulars to universals, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, which is also called a generalization
Induction
A fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequate evidence
hasty generalization
includes things that can be measured, cited, counted, or otherwise represented in numbers
Quantitative evidence
A fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt. it "begs" a question whether the support itself is sound.
begging the question
Addresses the counterarguments. It is a bridge between the writer's proof and conclusion.
refutation (refutatio)
a logical process whereby one reaches a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth and applying it to a specific case. the process of deduction usually demonstrated in the form of a syllogism
deduction
a fallacy that occurs when an analogy compares two things that are not comparable
faulty analogy
Also called an assertion or a proposition, a claim states the argument's main idea or position.
Claim
A fallacy in which the writer repeats the claim as a way to provide evidence.
circular reasoning
Brings the essay to a satisfying close.
Conclusion (Peroratio)
a process of reasoned inquiry; a persuasive discourse resulting in a coherent and considered movement from a claim to a conclusion
argument
a fallacy in which the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices
Either/or
a claim that asserts that something is true or not true
Claim of fact