Logical Fallacies

Informal logical fallacies, common errors in thinking. An informal fallacy is an attempt to persuade that obviously fails to demonstrate the truth of its conclusion, deriving its only plausibility from a misuse of ordinary language.

64 cards   |   Total Attempts: 188
  

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Cards In This Set

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Appeal to Ignorance
Because something is not known to be true, it is assumed to be false (or conversely).
Begging the Question
The truth of the conclusion is already assumed in the premises.
Complex Question
Two unrelated points are conjoined as a single proposition.
False Dilemma
Two choices are given when in fact there are three (or more) options.
Hegelian Fallacy
It is assumed that the middle position between two extremes must be correct simply because it is the middle position.
Pseudo-Tolerance
The assumption that "I must respect all opinions" (or some variation) ends the need for further consideration of an issue.
Relativist Fallacy
A person rejects a claim by asserting that the claim might be true for others but is not for him/her.
Who is to say?
The rhetorical “Who is to say?” question is supposed to “prove” that there is no way to decide whether any position or view is better than another.
Affirming the Consequent
Any argument of the form: If p then q, q, therefore p.
Denying the Antecedent
Any argument of the form: If p then q, not p, therefore, not q.
Inconsistency
Asserting that contrary or contradictory statements are both true.
Missing the Point
An argument in defense of one conclusion instead proves a different conclusion.
Attacking the Person
- the person's character is attacked - the person's circumstances are noted (circumstantial) - the person does not practice what is preached
Appeal to Authority
The fact that some sort of authority states something does not, in general, serve as evidence that the claim is true.
Style Over Substance
The manner in which an argument (or arguer) is presented is felt to affect the truth of the conclusion.