Fallacy Definitions
A fallacy in which the author attempts to show a causal relationship though the two events may have only happened in succession.
What is a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy?
The following is an example of a _________ fallacy: I drank bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick.
What is post hoc/false cause?
Example of __________ fallacy: All the male authors of the past were male chauvinists who thought politics was not a place for women. So, we're not reading any of those dinosaur authors like Shakespeare.
What is a genetic fallacy?
Example of __________ fallacy: Look, you are either part of the solution or part of the problem.
What is a false dilemma/false dichotomy/either-or fallacy?
A fallacy where you oversimplify the opponent's view and then attack the empty argument you created.
What is a straw man fallacy?
A fallacy in which the author presents only two options for the reader to choose from (despite the fact that it is rare for any argument to be so simplistic).
What is a false dichotomy/false dilemma/either-or/black-or-white fallacy?
Example of _______ fallacy: The apples on the top of the box look good. The entire box of apples must be good.
What is a hasty generalization?
Example of __________ fallacy: A: Canada must begin to invest more in the military. B: Why don't you care about education?
What is a straw man fallacy?
A fallacy in which the author predicts events, usually with a catastrophic conclusion.
What is a slippery slope?
A fallacy in which the author makes a conclusion based on the opinion of an 'expert'.
What is appeal to authority?
The following is an example of ________ fallacy: If you were a true American you would support the rights of people to choose whatever vehicle they want.
What is an bandwagon fallacy?
Example of ________ fallacy: Blueberries are the best fruit because they are filled with antioxidants.
What is a begging the claim fallacy?
Example of __________ fallacy: The little kids working in sweat shops receive low pay, but they also get free accommodation and free meals. I work at Walmart and I don't get those benefits!.
What is a moral equivalence?
A fallacy in which the author that because they share some characteristics they are essentially the same.
What is a false equivalence?
The following is an example of a ___________ fallacy: BC may only have 1-2% old growth forest left, but how would you feel if you were a logger?
What is a red herring fallacy?
Example of ________ fallacy: Give me the last piece of cake. I've had a real tough day.
What is an appeal to emotion?
Example of ________ fallacy: Polls suggest that the Liberals will form a majority government, so you may as well vote for them.
What is a bandwagon fallacy?
A fallacy in which the author attempts to distract the reader from the central issue and avoid addressing it.
What is a red herring?
A fallacy in which the author simple restates their argument in different words and does not prove it.
What is a circular argument fallacy?
The following is an example of _________ fallacy: The RCMP want a law passed that will allow them to breathalyze any driver without cause. If that law passes, next they'll be permitted to walk into our houses and finally take all our rights away.
What is a slippery slope fallacy?
Example of ________ fallacy: Both knives and dynamite can kill people if used improperly. I can buy a knife at Canadian Tire, so what right do you have to not let me buy dynamite?
What is a false equivalency fallacy?
Example of a __________ fallacy: Don't pick him for our basketball team. He plays chess!
What is a hasty generalization?
A fallacy in which the author attempts to support the argument by simply repeating it using different words.
What is begging the question/circular reasoning?