Logical Fallacies

Questions and Answers

What is Argumentum ad antiquitatem?

Attacking a person’s character

Arguing from ignorance

Assuming correlation means causation

An argument based on tradition (correct)

What does Argumentum ad hominem refer to?

Appeal to authority

Circular reasoning

Mistaking correlation for causation

Attacking the character of a person (correct)

What is the meaning of Argumentum ad ignorantiam?

Assuming correlation implies causation

Using circular reasoning

Attacking a person's character

Assuming something is true because it hasn't been proven false (correct)

What is Argumentum ad logicam?

Assuming something is false due to an invalid argument Signup and view all the answers

What does Argumentum ad misericordiam appeal to?

Pity and compassion Signup and view all the answers

What does Argumentum ad nauseam involve?

Repeating something to prove it Signup and view all the answers

What does Argumentum ad numerum refer to?

Proving something by the number of supporters Signup and view all the answers

What is Argumentum ad populum?

Proving something by public agreement Signup and view all the answers

What does Argumentum ad verecundiam mean?

Appealing to authority Signup and view all the answers

What is Circulus in demonstrando?

Circular argument Signup and view all the answers

What is a complex question?

An argument that implicitly assumes something to be true by its construction. Signup and view all the answers

Define Cum hoc ergo propter hoc.

Mistaking correlation for causation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dicto simpliciter refer to?

Sweeping generalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature appeal to?

Assuming anything 'natural' is good. Signup and view all the answers

What is Non Sequitur?

It does not follow. Signup and view all the answers

Define Post hoc ergo propter hoc.

After this, therefore because of this. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Red herring?

Introducing irrelevant arguments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Slippery slope argument?

Stating one action will lead to a series of negative outcomes without proof. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Straw man argument?

Refuting a distorted version of someone else's argument. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Logical Fallacies Overview

Argumentum ad antiquitatem: Justifies policies or practices based on historical longevity, implying that tradition equates to correctness.
Argumentum ad hominem: Attacks the individual presenting an idea instead of addressing the idea itself, undermining legitimate arguments.
Argumentum ad ignorantiam: Claims something is true simply because it hasn't been proven false; for example, using lack of evidence against global warming as proof of its existence.
Argumentum ad logicam: Dismisses a claim as false solely based on the invalidity of its supporting argument, ignoring the possibility of the claim itself being true.
Argumentum ad misericordiam: Appeals to pity to win an argument, leveraging emotional responses rather than logical reasoning.
Argumentum ad nauseam: Attempts to validate a claim through excessive repetition, regardless of the truth of the claim.
Argumentum ad numerum: Argues that a claim is true based solely on the number of people who believe it, rather than assessing its validity.
Argumentum ad populum: Utilizes public agreement as evidence for a claim, which does not inherently make the claim valid.
Argumentum ad verecundiam: Relies on the authority of an individual to validate a proposition, which may be flawed if the individual lacks relevant expertise.
Circulus in demonstrando: Involves using the conclusion as a premise in the argument, creating a circular reasoning fallacy.
Complex question: Constructs an argument that assumes the truth of something without evidence, misleadingly framing the query.
Cum hoc ergo propter hoc: Mistakes correlation for causation, incorrectly concluding one event causes another merely because they occur together.
Dicto simpliciter: Makes broad generalizations that do not hold true for every instance, leading to stereotypes.
Nature, appeal to: Presumes that what is "natural" is inherently good, while anything conflicting with nature is bad, lacking rational basis.
Non Sequitur: Presents conclusions that do not logically follow from the premises, examples include unrelated conclusions from reasoning.
Post hoc ergo propter hoc: Asserts causation based solely on chronological order, exemplified by mistakenly linking childhood behavior to later actions without evidence.
Red herring: Introduces irrelevant information to divert attention from the real issue, weakening the argument.
Slippery slope: Suggests that one small action will lead to significant and often negative consequences without substantiating the causal connection.
Straw man: Misrepresents or oversimplifies an opponent's argument to easily counter it, disregarding the actual position held.

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Explore key logical fallacies with these flashcards that define concepts like Argumentum ad antiquitatem and Argumentum ad hominem. Understand how these arguments can undermine rational debate and critical thinking. Enhance your comprehension of fallacies in reasoning.