Fallacy Definitions
Name that Fallacy
How Does Your Fallacy Grow?
Dictionary of Fallacies
100

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/false cause fallacy?

100

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?

100
Example of __________ fallacy: We should have conscription. People don't want to enter the military because they find it an inconvenience. But they should realize that there are more important things than convenience.
What is a straw man fallacy?
100

A fallacy in which the author has jumped to a conclusion about the whole of something based off inadequate sampling.

What is a over generalization?

200

A fallacy in which the author presents the ideas or thoughts from a well know individual without further explanation or reasoning.

What is an Appeal to False Authority

200
The following is an example of a __________ fallacy: Green Peace's strategies aren't effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippies.
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
200

Example of _______ fallacy: The apples on the top of the box look good. The entire box of apples must be good.

What is a over generalization?

200

A fallacy in which the author predicts events, usually with a catastrophic conclusion.

What is a slippery slope?

300
A fallacy in which the author makes a conclusion based on a lack of evidence.
What is appeal to ignorance?
300
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 ad hominem/bandwagon/no true Scotsman fallacy?
300
Example of ________ fallacy: 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?
300

A fallacy in which the author attempts to discredit the opposition by purposely misrepresenting their arugument.

What is a straw man fallacy?

400
A fallacy in which the author attacks the person make the opposing argument, rather than the argument itself.
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
400
The following is an example of a ___________ fallacy: The level of mercury in seafood may be unsafe, but what will fishers do to support their families?
What is a red herring fallacy?
400
Example of ________ fallacy: Polls suggest that the Liberals will form a majority government, so you may as well vote for them.
What is an ad populum/bandwagon fallacy?
400

A fallacy in which the author attempts to distract the reader from the premise of the argument, often with emotional appeals.

What is a red herring?

500

A fallacy in which the author attempts to make an argument where the conclusion has no relation to the evidence.

What is a Non Sequitur?

500
The following is an example of _________ fallacy: If we put limits on the right to bear arms, soon all of our Constitutionally-givenĀ  rights will be taken away.
What is a slippery slope fallacy?
500
Example of a __________ fallacy: Since scientists cannot prove that global warming will occur, it probably won't.
What is an appeal to ignorance fallacy?
500
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?