logical fallacies

Question 1

arguments

Answer 1

the assertion of a conclusion from reasons that are better known than the conclusion

Question 2

explanations

Answer 2

the assertion of reasons for a conclusion that is better known than those reasons.

Question 3

appeal to pity (argumentum ad misericordiam)

Answer 3

exploits a person’s feelings of guilt or pity.
“My children will starve if you fire me, boss” <– not relevant to reason for firing

Question 4

appeal to the people (argumentum ad populum)

Answer 4

bandwagon/peer pressure argument.
direct approach (appeal directly to crowd), indirect approach (appeal to a person based on the crowd)

Question 5

argument to the person (argumentum ad hominem)

Answer 5

attacking the arguer instead of their argument

Question 6

abusive ad hominem

Answer 6

attacks a person’s character
“I believe murderers should die for the sake of their victim’s family.”
“Only a stupid jerk-face would want anyone to die!”

Question 7

circumstantial ad hominem

Answer 7

attacks a person’s motivations, appeal to motive
“I believe murderers should die for the sake of the victim’s family.”
“Well, since your cousin was murdered, it isn’t hard to see why you feel that way.”

Question 8

tu quoque (you too)

Answer 8

discredit an argument by pointing out hypocrisy (ad hominem)
“I believe murderers should die for the sake of the victim’s family.”
“Well, I recall you defending your Uncle when he was convicted … you weren’t suggesting he die for the family of the guy he shot!”

Question 9

misapplying a rule (accident)

Answer 9

general rule to exceptional situation
“Yes I told the axe murderer where the little girl was! … if you check your bible, you’ll find Thou Shalt Not Lie”