Logical Fallacies Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does 'Hasty generalization' refer to?

Offering strong evidence to support a conclusion

Drawing conclusions based on relevant evidence

Offering weak or inadequate evidence to support a conclusion (correct)

Making a comprehensive analysis before concluding

What are 'Non sequiturs'?

Conclusions based on irrelevant evidence

Define 'Oversimplification'.

Giving easy answers to complicated questions, often accompanied by emotional appeals instead of logic

What is the 'Slippery slope' argument?

Arguments that attempt to convince readers if one thing is allowed, it will lead to horrible consequences Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Either/Or Fallacy' claim?

Claims that there are only two sides to a question Signup and view all the answers

What are 'False Analogies'?

Comparisons between things that are not actually similar Signup and view all the answers

Explain the 'Post Hoc Fallacy'.

Assuming that because one event happens after another, the first must have caused the second Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Begging the question'.

Treating an opinion as if it were a plain truth Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Red herring'?

Dragging in a side issue that's not relevant to the debate Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Straw man' refer to?

Arguments attribute an unreasonable position to opponents, then counter argue that, rather than their real arguments Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Personal attacks (Ad Hominem)'?

Personal attacks on people do not prove their views are wrong Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Bandwagon arguments'?

Presume that an assertion is true by claiming everyone accepts it Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Emotional appeals'?

Try to persuade by appealing to the audience's feelings Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Slanting'.

An argument is selecting evidence that only supports your claim and concealing or playing down other evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Logical Fallacies Overview

Hasty Generalization: Draws conclusions from insufficient or weak evidence, leading to overreaching claims.
Non Sequitur: Creates disconnect by reaching conclusions that stem from irrelevant premises, undermining logical coherence.

Fallacies of Oversimplification

Oversimplification: Reduces complex issues to overly simplistic answers, often swaying opinion through emotional rather than logical reasoning.
Slippery Slope: Warns that a small step will inevitably lead to severe consequences, instilling fear to discourage action.

Fallacies of False Dilemmas

Either/Or Fallacy: Proposes a binary perspective, ignoring numerous possible nuances in a given situation.
False Analogies: Misleads by drawing comparisons between unlike entities, disrupting logical analysis and clarity.

Causal Fallacies

Post Hoc Fallacy: Assumes causation from sequential events, overlooking other potential causes or correlations.
Begging the Question: Assumes the conclusion within the premises, undermining the structure of proper argumentation.

Distraction and Misinterpretation Fallacies

Red Herring: Diverts attention from the main argument by introducing a tangential issue, thus confusing the discussion.
Straw Man: Misrepresents an opponent’s position to make it easier to refute, rather than addressing the actual argument.

Personal Fallacies

Ad Hominem (Personal Attacks): Attacks the individual rather than their argument, failing to engage with the content of their claims.
Bandwagon Arguments: Claims validity based on widespread acceptance, neglecting independent scrutiny or factual basis.

Appeal-Based Fallacies

Emotional Appeals: Seeks to persuade by triggering sentimental responses instead of employing rational debate.
Slanting: Involves selectively presenting evidence that supports one’s viewpoint while disregarding contradictory information, creating a biased argument.

Description

Explore the key concepts of oversimplification and misdirection in logical reasoning through these flashcards. Each card presents a specific logical fallacy with a concise definition to enhance your understanding of critical thinking. Perfect for students looking to improve their analytical skills.