Vocab
_______ is a claim that is based on inadequate evidence.
Rash Generalization
Attacking your opponent’s character or personal traits instead of engaging with their argument.
AD Hominem
Using the opinion or position of an authority figure, or institution of authority, in place of an actual argument.
Appeal to Authority
Instead of addressing the flaws in his opponent's argument, Famed vigilante, Zorbo The Great, resorted to calling them incompetent and untrustworthy.
Ad Hominem
Cecilio: You failed your math test. No more playing of the Fortnite.
Tyreek: But you failed algebra 2 too! Why should I have to suffer! The Family Guy needs me!!
Tu Quoque
Two alternative states are presented as the only possibilities when in fact more possibilities exist.
False Dichotomy/Restricting The Options
sliding between two or more different meanings of a single word or phrase that is important to the argument
Equivocation
Manipulating an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument
Appeal to Emotion
Anita: I'm sorry, but I can not take you to see your friends tonight, I have to work.
Juan-Pablo: Oh! So you care about work more than me??
Straw Man
Constable Rodney: "We should consider implementing stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb misinformation and hate speech."
The Right Honorable Lord Ralph: "But if we start restricting freedom of speech online, where does it end? Soon, the government will control everything we say and do, and we'll be living in a totalitarian regime!"
Slippery Slope
This flaw is usually centered around dismissing a claim by calling someone out to be a hypocrite.
Tu Quoque
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack.
Straw Man
Making the argument that because something is ‘natural’ it is better.
Appeal to Nature
The speaker argued that since the Great War the geopolitical agenda has evolved to focus on containment of disputes, therefore we should note that humans will continue evolving throughout various stages of history
Equivocation
Students at Park Vista claim that the traffic in the morning is the worst that they have ever seen in their lives. The teachers accredit it to the Student Drivers erratic driving and the parents accredit it to the other parent drivers, therefore the main cause of traffic in the morning is due to both.
False Dichotomy/ Restricting the options
______ brings two or more different concepts together and treats them as the same thing.
Conflation
Asserting that if we allow A to happen, the Z will consequently happen too therefore, A should not happen.
Slippery Slope
agreeing to an idea on the grounds that because many people do something as an attempted form of validation.
Appeal to Popularity
Bill Nye The Science Guy: "We need to take action to address climate change now before it's too late."
Octavian: "But think about all the jobs that will be lost in the coal and oil industries if we switch to renewable energy! Families will suffer, and communities will be devastated!"
Appeal to emotion
Josh: "I think we should invest in FTX. It's gaining a lot of attention, and experts say it's the next big thing."
Valencia "Are you sure it's a good idea? I've heard some concerns about its security and stability."
Josh: "Well, I saw a famous financial analyst endorse it on TV, so it must be solid.
Appeal to authority
When a writer tries to prove an argument by comparing situations that are really not comparable
Faulty Analogy
an idea is claimed to be right because it is the way it was often done in the past.
Appeal to History
Creating a false relationship between two unrelated factors.
False Cause
Comment on a restaurant review:
The restaurant critic's review stated that everyone should go to Luca Osteria because it was a staple of culinary excellence. The writer said the dishes were a bit underwhelming, but praised the elegant décor of the restaurant. The review ultimately mislead readers about the overall dining experience.
Conflation. Flashy presentation with culinary excellence.
Zorbo: I don't think we should trust that new employee. He drinks buttered coffee and the last person I know who turned out to be a thief.
Mahogany: But isn't that a bit unfair? Just because one person from that town was dishonest doesn't mean everyone from there is.
Rash Generalization