Logical Fallacies Flashcards
(34 cards)
Slippery Slope
A conclusion based on the premise that if “A” happens, then eventually through a series of small steps “B-Z” will happen too. (Basically equating A to Z). SO if we don’t want Z to occur, A must not be allowed to occur either.
What is this an example of:
If we ban hummers because they are bad for the environment eventually the government will ban all cars, so we should not ban hummers
Slippery Slope
Hasty Generalization
A conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence. In other words you are rushing to a conclusion before you have all of the relevant facts
What is this an example of:
Even though it’s only the first day, I can tell this is going to be a boring course
Hasty Generalization
Post Hoc. (Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc)
This is a conclusion that assumes that if A occurred after B, then B must have caused A
What is this an example of:
I drank bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick
Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
Begging the Question or Circular Reasoning
The conclusion that the writer should prove is already validated within the claim (Taking for granted something that needs proving)
What is this an example of:
Lying is wrong because people should always tell the truth
Begging the Question/ Circular reasoning
Either/ Or Thinking
A conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices
What is this an example of: Either you love your job, or you hate it
Either/ Or Thinking
False Analogy
Making a misleading analogy between logically unconnected ideas
What is this an example of:
If we can clone mammals, we should be able to find a cure for cancer
False Analogy
Red Herring
A diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposite arguments rather than addressing them
What is this an example of:
The level of mercury in seafood may be unsafe, but what will fishers do to support their families
Red Herring
Argumentum Ad Misericordium (Argument towards pity)
Like a reverse ad hominem which also ignores the question. A fallacy in which someone tries to win support for an argument or idea by exploiting his or her opponent’s feelings of pity or guilt. It is a specific kind of appeal to emotion
What is this an example of:
Oh, officer, there’s no reason to give me a traffic ticket for going too fast because I was just on my way to the hospital to see my wife who is in serious condition to tell her I just lost my job and the car will be repossessed
Argument Ad Misericordium
Oversimplification
A drastically simple solution to what is clearly a complex problem
What is this an example of:
We have had a balance-of-trade deficit because foreigners make better products than we do
Oversimplification
Ad populum
This is an emotional appeal that speaks to positive or negative concepts rather than the real issue at hand
What is this an example of:
If you were a true American you would support the rights of people to choose whatever vehicle they want
Ad populum
Ad hominem
This is an attack on the character of a person rather than his or her opinions or arguments
What is this an example of: Green Peace’s strategies aren’t effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippiness
Ad hominem
Ignoring the Question
Similar to presenting the (Red Herring) Rather than answering the question that has been asked or addressing the issue at hand, the writer shifts focus, supplying an unrelated argument. In this way, the writer dodges the real issues of the debate
What is this an example of:
During a press conference, a political candidate is asked a pointed, specific question about some potentially illegal fund-raising activity. Instead of answering the allegations, the candidate gives a rousing speech thanking all of his financial supporters. The speech was eloquent and moving, but shifted the focus from the issue at hand.
Ignoring the Question
