General Definitions
The study of the principles of correct reasoning
Logic
Lexical Definition
The definition found in the dictionary
Shifting from one meaning of a word to another meaning.
Equivocation
Claiming there are only 2 possibilities when there could be a third.
Bifurcation fallacy (Either/Or fallacy)
Attempting to persuade by asking a loaded question
The complex question
Misrepresents an opponent's position and then proceeds to refute that misrepresentation, rather than what the opponent actually claims.
Strawman Fallacy
A common error in reasoning
Fallacy
Stipulative Definition
naming a new word for a new thing
Falsely assumes that what is true of the parts/individual must also be true of the whole/group.
Fallacy of Composition
The error of defining a term in a biased way that would not be found in a dictionary.
No True Scotsman Fallacy
Arguing that a given action will set off a chain reaction leading to a particular result, when in reality, other factors are likely to prevent that result.
Slippery Slope Fallacy
Attempts to persuade by scaring the other person
Faulty appeal to fear/force
These are universal, invariant, abstract, rules of correct reasoning
The Laws of Logic
Precising definition
used to clarify a term, adds additional information
Changes the meaning of the proposition by placing undue emphasis on a word or phrase
Fallacy of Accent
Drawing a generalization from too few specific examples
Hasty Generalization
Applying a generalization to an exception
Sweeping Generalization
Directs an argument against the person making the claim instead of the claim itself.
Ad Hominem
A truth claim that is either true or false
proposition
Theoretical definition
Used for scientific theories.
Attributes a concrete characteristic to something abstract
Reification
The error of attributing a cause and effect relationship between two events that do not actually have such a relationship
False Cause Fallacy
The error of arbitrarily using a double standard, and failing to apply a standard to yourself.
Special Pleading
Argues that something is morally right just because it happens or because many people do it.
A series of propositions where the truth of one is said to follow from the others
argument
Persuasive Definition
Using a word in a way that isn't found in the dictionary. It's a false definition and logically fallacious.
Falsely assumes that what is true of the whole/group must also be true of the parts/individuals.
Fallacy of Division
Arbitrarily assuming what one is attempting to prove as part of the proof.
Begging the Question
Draws a conclusion by comparing two things that are similar in ways that are not relevant to the conclusion.
False Analogy
Genetic fallacy