Show:
Definitions
Definitions Part 2
What Fallacy Is This?
What Fallacy Is This Part 2?
For Fun
100

A fallacy in which the author attacks the person make the opposing argument, rather than the argument itself.

What is an ad hominem fallacy.

100

The portrayal of a complex situation in simplistic either-or terms, not acknowledging that (1) both alternatives could be true, (2) gray areas exist between the two alternatives, or (3) other possibilities exist.

What is Either/or Fallacy (AKA false dilemma, false dichotomy, and false binary).

100

Ron has either completed his Class Notebook work perfectly or totally failed. Ron's Class Notebook is not completed perfectly. Therefore, Ron has failed. 

What is either/or fallacy (AKA false dilemma, false dichotomy, and false binary).

100

“Call within the next 5 minutes and receive a 25% discount, otherwise you will need to pay full price!”

What is False Dilemma (AKA false dilemma, false dichotomy, and false binary). 

100

In an introduction to a speech promoting reading for leisure, a speaker shares a random quote from Albert Einstein because they believe name-dropping Einstein will sound really smart.

What is Appeal to Authority.

200
This is an appeal to popularity. It is saying that something must be right because “everybody is doing it.”
What is Bandwagon Appeal.
200

Intentionally caricaturing a person's argument with the aim of attacking the caricature rather than the actual argument.

What is Straw Man.


200

Green Peace's strategies aren't effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippies.

What is an ad hominem fallacy?

200
Teenager tells his mom "all my friends have cellphones, so I should have one too". He has fallen prey to which fallacy?
What is bandwagon appeal.
200

Our family always eats a little bit of raw cookie dough while baking. We've always done this and we always will.

What is Appeal to Tradition.

300
This error occurs when what a person is arguing for is already assumed to be true in one of the argument’s premises.
What is Circular Reasoning.
300

Once someone asks for one thing, they will not end until they have taken it all.

What is Slippery Slope.

300

"Immigration to Alberta from Ontario increased. Soon after, the welfare rolls increased. Therefore, the increased immigration caused the increased welfare rolls."

What is a post hoc fallacy (AKA False Cause)?

300

"People disobeyed God. Later, a tornado wreaked havoc on those people. Therefore, disobeying god caused the tornado."

What is "Not a Cause for a Cause" (or, more specifically Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc which means "after this, therefore because of this"). 

300

"My opponent believe that we should spend more on education. Do you know who else thinks that? The dictator himself!"

What is Guilt by Association?
400
Person A is (claimed to be) an authority on subject S. Person A makes claim C about subject S. Therefore, C is true (Nizkor, 2013).
What is Appeal to Authority.
400
Deciding something just because “this is the way we have always done it”.
What is Appeal to Tradition.
400

Liz had a bad experience with the new buns at Chew Chew Bun and now believes that all Shio Pan Brioche Buns are bad. Liz has engaged in which fallacy?

What is hasty generalization.

400

When asked difficult questions, a politician responds with absurd, divisive, and off-topic statements like "We will take Ireland--by force if necessary," "I will make Mexico the 51st state," and "We should rename New Mexico something more patriotic like 'New Texas.'"

Red Herring

400

"Why don't you want to wear a party hat? Everyone else is wearing one."

What is Bandwagon Appeal.

500
Saying something must be true (or false) because there is little to no evidence to prove it is not true (or not false).
What is Appeal to Ignorance.
500

I drank bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick.

What is post hoc/false cause?

500
The builder is questioned on his building practices but he says, “that’s the way I have been building these things for fifteen years.” However, that does not mean he has been building them ‘right’ for fifteen years!
What is Appeal to Tradition.
500

"If you let a bully visit your home, he will visit every day forever and become more violent with each visit."

What is Slippery Slope?

500

"Because of x therefore x."

What is Circular Reasoning.