Definitions 1
Introducing an irrelevant point into an argument. Someone may think it proves his side, but it really doesn’t.
What is a Red Herring?
Using a double standard or arguing for an unjustified exception
What is Special Pleading?
Attacking an opponent's character or his motive for believing something instead of disproving his argument.
What is an Ad Hominem Attack?
Condemning an argument because of where it began,how it began, or who began it.
What is the Genetic Fallacy?
Mom: We can't let her have another dog! Dad: Oh, we can handle two dogs in the house. She loves animals. Mom: Two dogs? She'll as for three or four next. This isn't going to stop!
What is Slippery Slope
Appealing to the authority of someone who has no special knowledge in that area he is discussing.
What is Faulty Appeal to Authority?
Claiming one’s view-point is correct just because many other people agree with it.
What is Appeal to the People?
Changing or exaggerating an opponent's position to make it easier to refute.
What is a Straw Man fallacy?
Jim: Why do I have to learn logic? Dad: Because it will help develop your mind. Jim: Why will it help develop my mind? Dad: Because it will help yo think better.
What is Circular reasoning
Granny: If the English don't drive on the right side o the road, what are they doing on the wrong side?
What is Equivocation
Asking one question which assumes the answer to a second question.
What is a Loaded Question?
The assumption that if we take one step, nothing will stop us from taking a series of steps because each step is the same.
What is the Slippery Slope Fallacy?
Asserting that what is true of part of something must also be true of the whole thing altogether.
What is Part-to-Whole Fallacy?
Lily: Grizzly bears can't be dangerous- they look so cute.
What is Red Herring
Tim: My car mechanic says the best way to fix a computer problem is to just give the computer a good sharp kick.
What is Faulty Appeal to Authority
Dismissing another person’s viewpoint on an issue because the speaker is inconsistent in that very thing.
What is Tu Quoque?
Changing the meaning of a word in the middle of an argument.
What is Equivacation?
Asserting that what is true of something as a whole must also be true of each of its parts.
What is a Whole-to-Part Fallacy?
Mrs: Our car isn't running right. I think we need to buy a better one- something more comfortable. Mr: Oh, so you want us to buy a brand new fancy car? I don't think we have enough money for a Rolls Royce.
What is Straw Man
Sam: I wouldn't drink soda if I were you. It's bad for you and can lead to health problems.
Jim: Don't tell me not to drink soda! You drink it too!
What is Tu Quoque
Asserting that we must choose between only two things, when in fact there are more than 2 alternatives.
What is an Either-Or Fallacy?
"I know why I have been in a bad mood for so long. It's because my frame of mind hasn't been good."
Circular Reasoning
Attempting to prove a conclusion by simply restating it. Someone says “P is true because Q is true, and Q is true because P is true.”
What is Circular Reasoning?
Sports Reporter: In this year's games, Team America has won more medals than any other team in history. So Jim, who's on Team America must be a great athlete.
What is Whole-to-Part
Granny: I'm not gambling! This is bingo; not poker, It's different" we're not using a deck of cards.
What is Special Pleading