Fallacy Definitions
This fallacy asserts that because one thing happened after another, the first event caused the second event.
What is the post hoc fallacy?
If we legalize marijuana, everyone will get addicted to it and no one will work again.
What is a slippery slope?
I got the flu after getting my flu shot. I’m never getting the shot again—it causes the flu!
What is a post hoc fallacy?
You’re either with us, or you’re against us.
What is an either-or fallacy?
Look out, Dorothy! A writer commits this fallacy when they misrepresent opponents' arguments to more easily refute them.
What is a straw man?
This fallacy occurs when the writer argues that there are just two choices when there are actually more.
What is the either-or fallacy?
NASA has never presented any evidence that UFOs don’t exist; therefore, they must exist.
What is an appeal to ignorance?
I always get lower grades than my classmates. My TA must be a harder grader than the other TAs.
What is a hasty or sweeping generalization?
Dr. Thomson, I’m not sure why we should believe anything you say about the community health center. Last year, you left your husband for another woman.
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
This fallacy occurs when a conclusion does not follow from the premises.
What is a non sequitur?
When a writer argues that their conclusion must be true because they haven't found evidence against it, they have committed this fallacy.
What is an appeal to ignorance?
You can’t fail me! If you do, I’ll lose my scholarship! You’re ruining my life!
What is an appeal to pity?
Our school is diverse. Therefore, we don’t need affirmative action.
What is a non sequitur?
If we open the borders, our country will be terrorized!
What is an appeal to fear?
When a writer reaches a conclusion based on too little evidence, they have committed this fallacy.
What is a hasty or sweeping generalization?
Apples to...hippopotamuses? A writer who relies on comparing two unrelated items or concepts risks committing this fallacy.
What is weak or false analogy?
Sports cars are noisy; therefore, we should ban driving sports cars after 10pm.
What is begging the question?
America has always been capitalist! How could we embrace this candidate’s socialist ideals?
What is an appeal to tradition?
People who think hunting for sport is immoral just think that animals are more important than people.
What is a straw man?
A writer is doing this when they assume a statement is self-evident or true when it actually requires proof.
What is begging the question?
Et tu, Brute? This fallacy occurs when writers attack their opponents' characters or motives instead of focusing on the issues.
What is the ad hominem fallacy?
Temperatures have risen in the last decade, and the number of pirates has decreased. We need to create more pirates to prevent global warming.
What is a post hoc fallacy?
Guns are like hammers. They’re both tools that can be used to kill someone.
What is a weak or false analogy?
Sure, we haven't given raises in over five years to our employees. You know, we work really hard to make a good product. We try to ensure the best customer service, too.
What is a red herring?
What's that smell? This fallacy occurs when a writer raises an irrelevant side issue to divert attention from the real issue.
What is a red herring?