Questions and Answers
What is Begging the Question?
What does Non sequitur mean?
The conclusion doesn't logically follow the explanation.
What is the primary fallacy in Post Hoc (Ergo Propter Hoc)?
Assuming one event caused another based on their sequence in time.
What are Faulty Analogies?
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Hasty Generalizations are based on what?
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What is a Red Herring?
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What does Equivocation involve?
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What is Ignoring the Question?
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What does Opposing a Straw Man mean?
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What is the issue with Either-Or Arguments?
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What are Slippery Slopes?
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What does Bandwagon Appeals mean?
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What is False Authority?
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What is Ad Hominem?
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What does Tu Quoque mean?
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Study Notes
Logical Fallacies
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Begging the Question (Circular Logic): Argues a point as a fact that reinforces itself, leading to a cycle of reasoning. Example: Movies are popular due to their financial success, which in turn is a result of their popularity.
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Non Sequitur: The conclusion presented does not logically follow from the premise. Example: Heavy rain prompts an unrelated action, such as a phone call.
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Post Hoc (Ergo Propter Hoc): Assumes that if one event follows another, it must have caused it. Example: Believing that consuming junk food before a test leads to good grades because of a past high score.
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Faulty Analogies: Draws comparisons between dissimilar situations. Example: Comparing students attending events to cattle herded for slaughter illustrates flawed reasoning.
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Hasty Generalizations: Makes broad conclusions based on insufficient evidence. Example: Concluding all fraternities promote partying due to limited observations of a few parties.
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Red Herrings: Introduces irrelevant arguments to distract from the main issue. Example: Discussing parking issues instead of addressing the necessity of paving an area.
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Equivocation: Utilizes a word's multiple meanings, shifting definitions mid-argument without clarification. Example: Claiming that truth will set one free but providing no context.
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Ignoring the Question: Avoids answering the posed question by shifting to another topic. Example: Political candidates deflecting inquiries with unrelated praise for supporters rather than addressing the allegations.
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Opposing a Straw Man: Attacks an oversimplified version of the opposing argument, making it easier to refute. Example: Opposition to drink machines focusing on location rather than cost or choice.
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Either-Or Arguments (False Dilemma): Presents issues as binary choices, ignoring other possibilities. Example: Suggesting a Spring Break choice between a specific location or none at all.
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Slippery Slopes: Predicts dire consequences from a single action without evidence of inevitability. Example: Arguing that school uniform policies will lead to mandatory uniforms at all educational levels.
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Bandwagon Appeals: Persuades that a belief is valid simply because many others hold it. Example: Claiming that widespread support for Elvis proves he is worth supporting.
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False Authority: Assumes credibility based on expertise in one area applies to another unrelated field. Example: A sports figure discussing unrelated topics such as personal care products.
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Ad Hominem: Attacks the character of the opponent instead of addressing their argument. Example: Questioning a candidate's advocacy for workers based on personal preferences.
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Tu Quoque: Deflects criticism by pointing out similar faults in the accuser. Example: Defending speeding violations by referencing police behavior.
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Description
Test your understanding of common logical fallacies with these flashcards. Each card presents a fallacy along with its definition and example. Perfect for students in philosophy or debate classes who want to sharpen their critical thinking skills.
