logical fallacies

Question 1

Slippery Slope

Answer 1

This is a conclusion based on the premise that if A happens, then eventually through a series of small steps, through B, C,…, X, Y, Z will happen, too, basically equating A and Z. So, if we don’t want Z to occur, A must not be allowed to occur either.

Question 2

Hasty Generaliztion

Answer 2

This is a conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence. In other words, you are rushing to a conclusion before you have all the relevant facts.

Question 3

Post hoc ergo propter hoc:

Answer 3

This is a conclusion that assumes that if ‘A’ occurred after ‘B’ then ‘B’ must have caused ‘A.’

Question 4

Genetic Fallacy

Answer 4

This conclusion is based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth.

Question 5

Begging the Claim

Answer 5

The conclusion that the writer should prove is validated within the claim.

Question 6

Circular Argument

Answer 6

This restates the argument rather than actually proving it.

Question 7

Either/or

Answer 7

This is a conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices.

Question 8

Ad hominem

Answer 8

This is an attack on the character of a person rather than his or her opinions or arguments.

Question 9

Ad populum/Bandwagon Appeal

Answer 9

This is an appeal that presents what most people, or a group of people think, in order to persuade one to think the same way. Getting on the bandwagon is one such instance of an ad populum appeal.

Question 10

Red Herring

Answer 10

This is a diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing them.

Question 11

Straw Man

Answer 11

This move oversimplifies an opponent’s viewpoint and then attacks that hollow argument.

Question 12

Moral Equivalence

Answer 12

This fallacy compares minor misdeeds with major atrocities, suggesting that both are equally immoral.