Fallacy Definitions
A fallacy in which the author attacks the person making the opposing argument instead of the argument itself
I drank a bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick.
In the United States, one can vote for either Democrats or Republicans.
What is Black and White
Whilst rallying support for his plan to fundamentally undermine citizens' rights, the Supreme Leader told the people they were either on his side, or they were on the side of the enemy.
What is False Dilemna
A fallacy in which the author has jumped to a conclusion based on insufficient evidence
What is a hasty generalization?
A fallacy in which the author presents only two options to choose from despite the fact that most arguments have such a simplistic solution.
What is black and white
Green Peace's strategies are not effective because they are all dirty, lazy, tree-hugging, hippies.
What is ad hominem
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 straw man
The word of Zorbo the Great is flawless and perfect. We know this because it says so in The Great and Infallible Book of Zorbo's Best and Most Truest Things that are Definitely True and Should Not Ever Be Questioned.
What is Begging the Question OR circular reasoning
A fallacy in which the author predicts events, usually with a catastrophic conclusion.
What is a slippery slope?
When the person defending the argument adds in a fact to purposefully lead the audience away from the intended argument
What is a red herring
If you were a true American you would support the rights of people to choose whatever vehicle they want.
What is ad hominem
If the mill were polluting the river then we would see an increase in fish deaths. And fish deaths have increased. Thus, the mill is polluting the river.
What is non sequitur
After Sally presents an eloquent and compelling case for a more equitable taxation system, Sam asks the audience whether we should believe anything from a woman who isn't married, was once arrested, and smells a bit weird.
What is at hominem
A fallacy in which the author attempts to anticipate the opposition, but fails because the oppositional point addressed is one of the weakest points.
What is a straw man fallacy?
A fallacy in which the author jumps to conclusions without giving proper evidence to support the claim.
What is a hasty generalization
The level of mercury in seafood may be unsafe, but what will fishers do to support their families?
What is red herring OR ad misericordium
Polls suggest that the Liberals will form a majority government, so you may as well vote for them.
What is an ad populum
The makers of Sugarette Candy Drinks point to research showing that of the five countries where Sugarette drinks sell the most units, three of them are in the top ten healthiest countries on Earth, therefore Sugarette drinks are healthy.
What is hasty generalization or post hoc
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 or ad misericordium
What is a false analogy
If we put limits on the right to bear arms, soon all of our constitutionally- given rights will be taken away
What is slippery slope.
We hope you'll accept our recommendations. We spent the last three months working extra time on it.
What is ad misericordium
Jason said that that was all cool and everything, but his grandfather smoked, like, 30 cigarettes a day and lived until 97 - so don't believe everything you read about meta analyses of methodologically sound studies showing proven causal relationships
What is 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?