12 Questions
What is the definition of Ad Hominem?
Attacking a person instead of the issue
Which fallacy involves discussing an issue as if there are only two alternatives?
Either or Fallacy
What does False Analogy involve?
Comparing two things that are only similar in appearance
What does Rationalization involve?
Providing logical explanations for actions
What is Circular Reasoning also known as?
Begging the Question
In False Cause, what mistake do people make when associating two events?
Incorrectly concluding one event caused another
What fallacy occurs when someone introduces irrelevant information or a distraction to divert attention from the main topic or issue?
Red Herring
Which fallacy involves implying that one small step in the wrong direction will cause catastrophic results?
Slippery Slope
When does the Two wrongs make a right fallacy occur?
When justifying one's wrongdoing by pointing out others' wrong actions.
In which fallacy does someone draw a broad conclusion about a group based on insufficient or biased evidence?
Hasty Generalization
Which fallacy occurs when someone misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack?
Straw Man
When does the Equivocation fallacy occur?
When using words with multiple meanings in an argument.
Study Notes
Fallacies of Reasoning
- Ad Hominem: attacking a person instead of the issue, focusing on character and/or reputation rather than the argument itself.
- Circular Reasoning: repeating initial assertions without providing new information or evidence, making it seem logical but lacking substance.
- False Cause: incorrectly concluding that one event caused another due to association or sequence, without proper evidence, also known as "Non Causa Pro Causa".
- "Either or" Fallacy: presenting only two alternatives, ignoring other possibilities, and oversimplifying the complexity of an issue.
- Evasion: avoiding direct answers to questions, ignoring or sidestepping the issue.
- False Analogy: comparing two things that seem similar on the surface but are different in relevant ways, assuming they are alike in other respects.
- Oversimplification: presenting complex issues in a overly simplified way, ignoring important details or nuances, reducing it to a single cause or solution.
- Rationalization: providing seemingly logical explanations for actions or beliefs, but not the real reasons, making it sound more acceptable or logical.
- Red Herring: introducing irrelevant information or distractions to divert attention from the main topic or issue, misleading or confusing others.
- Slippery Slope: implying that one small step in the wrong direction will lead to catastrophic consequences, without providing sufficient evidence.
- Two wrongs make a right: justifying wrongdoing by pointing out that someone else has done something wrong, without acknowledging the wrongness of one's own actions.
- Hasty Generalization: drawing broad conclusions about a group or category based on insufficient or biased evidence, failing to represent the diversity within.
- The Straw Man: misrepresenting or exaggerating an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, creating a distorted or weakened version.
- Equivocation: using a word or phrase with multiple meanings and switching between them in an argument, making it seem like the same term is being used.
- Non Sequitur: concluding an argument without logical connection to the premises or evidence, resulting in a disconnect between the stated reasons and the conclusion.
Test your knowledge on logical fallacies with this quiz! Learn about common fallacies like Ad Hominem, Circular Reasoning, and False Cause. Identify these fallacies to improve your critical thinking skills.
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