Flawed Reasoning Patterns Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does ‘Causation ≠ Correlation’ mean?
Mistaking correlation for causation; just because two things happen together doesn’t mean one caused the other.
This flaw highlights the importance of distinguishing between mere correlation and actual causal relationships.
Define Circular Reasoning.
The conclusion is merely a restatement of the premise.
In this flaw, the argument does not provide any new information.
What is a Conditional Logic Error?
Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions; ‘If A then B’ does not mean ‘If B then A’.
This misunderstanding can lead to incorrect conclusions in logical arguments.
What is Overgeneralization?
Drawing a broad conclusion from too small or unrepresentative a sample.
This flaw can lead to stereotypes or inaccurate assumptions.
What does False Dilemma / False Dichotomy refer to?
Assuming there are only two options when there could be more.
This flaw limits the scope of possibilities and can mislead reasoning.
Explain the Straw Man fallacy.
Misrepresenting or distorting an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.
This tactic avoids engaging with the actual argument.
What is an Ad Hominem attack?
Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself.
This flaw undermines rational debate by focusing on personal characteristics.
Define Appeal to Authority.
Believing a claim is true because an authority says so, without evidence.
This flaw can lead to blind acceptance of statements without critical evaluation.
What does Appeal to Popularity mean?
Arguing a claim is true because many people believe it.
This flaw relies on the popularity of an idea rather than its actual validity.
What is the Appeal to Emotion fallacy?
Attempting to persuade using emotion rather than logic or reason.
This tactic can manipulate feelings instead of presenting logical arguments.
Define Part-to-Whole / Whole-to-Part Flaws.
Assuming what is true of the parts is true of the whole, or vice versa.
This flaw can lead to incorrect conclusions about groups based on individual characteristics.
What is Equivocation?
Using the same word or phrase in two different senses in the same argument.
This can create confusion and misinterpretation in logical reasoning.
What does Unproven vs. False refer to?
Assuming that because something hasn’t been proven true, it must be false (or vice versa).
This flaw ignores the possibility of a lack of evidence for reasons other than falsehood.
What is the difference between Possibility and Certainty?
Treating something that’s merely possible as though it’s certain.
This flaw can lead to overestimating the likelihood of an event.
Define Temporal Flaws.
Assuming what was true in the past will continue to be true in the future.
This can lead to faulty predictions and assumptions about future events.
What does Percentages vs. Amounts refer to?
Confusing percentages and raw numbers; a higher percentage doesn’t mean a higher total amount.
This flaw can lead to misinterpretation of statistical data.
What does Absence of Evidence ≠ Evidence of Absence mean?
Concluding something doesn’t exist just because there’s no evidence for it.
This flaw overlooks the possibility of undiscovered evidence.
Define Composition and Division Errors.
Assuming that what’s true of a group is true of each member or vice versa.
This can lead to incorrect assumptions about individuals based on group characteristics.
What is a Scope Shift?
The premises talk about one thing, and the conclusion subtly shifts to a related but different concept.
This flaw can obscure the true argument being made.
What does Comparison/Analogy Flaw refer to?
Basing a conclusion on a faulty or inappropriate analogy.
This flaw can mislead reasoning by drawing parallels that do not hold.
