Definitions & Core Concepts
This term describes an error in reasoning that undermines an argument by lacking evidence to support a claim.
What is a logical fallacy?
An argument that attacks someone's character rather than addressing the actual issue.
What is Ad Hominem?
An oversimplification that assumes there are only two possibilities when taking a position.
What is an Either-Or Argument?
"She supports killing babies because she's a lazy, murderous liberal".
What is Ad Hominem?
"The President is a good communicator because he speaks effectively".
What is Begging the Question?
Using logical fallacies can undermine this quality, which refers to a writer's or speaker's authority and credibility.
What is ethos?
Suggesting that we should think or behave a certain way simply because others are doing so.
What is Bandwagon Appeal?
Misrepresenting an opposing position to make it seem ridiculous or extreme and easy to refute.
What is a Straw Man?
"We can either start recycling more or destroy the earth".
What is an Either-Or Argument?
"Based on how boring the first day of class was, this class is clearly going to be boring throughout the remainder of the semester".
What is a Hasty Generalization?
A circular argument that assumes a claim is true with no logical argument to support it.
What is Begging the Question?
Playing on listeners' feelings to distract them from the facts, such as asking for $1 donations to feed a child.
What is Appeal to Emotion (or Sentimental Appeal)?
Asserting that one event will eventually lead to another, often catastrophic event without offering logical proof.
What is a Slippery Slope?
"I wore my striped socks during the game today, and we won. Now I have to wear my striped socks for every game so we win".
What is Faulty Causality?
"People who do not support the raise in minimum wage to $15 an hour hate the poor".
What is a Straw Man?
Reaching conclusions based on insufficient or inappropriate qualifying evidence.
What is a Hasty Generalization?
Presenting an unqualified person or institution as a source of credible information.
What is Appeal to False Authority?
Assuming that because one event followed another, the first event caused the second.
What is Faulty Causality?
"If you were a true American, you would fly the flag all year round from your front porch".
What is Bandwagon Appeal?
"Without this additional insurance, you could find yourself broke and homeless"
What is Scare Tactic?
An argument that uses a diversionary tactic to avoid key issues entirely.
What is a Red Herring?
Using fear to sway people by exaggerating possible dangers well beyond their statistical likelihood.
What is Scare Tactic?
Claiming a statement is true based on what an expert says, without offering any other supporting evidence.
What is Appeal to Authority?
"Trees pollute the air as much as cars and trucks do by releasing pollen every spring".
What is False Analogy?
"If we ban the use of coal, how will coal miners feed their families?"
What is a Red Herring?