Logical Fallacies Quiz Prep

Questions and Answers

What is Hasty Generalization?

Making assumptions about a whole group based on a sample that is inadequate. (correct)

Claiming something is true because it has not been proven false.

A logical fallacy that assumes that taking a first step will lead to a chain of events.

Misrepresenting and then attacking an opponent's position.

What does 'Missing the Point' mean in logical fallacies?

The premises support a particular conclusion but not the conclusion drawn.

Define Post Hoc (False Clause).

The fallacy of believing that temporal succession implies a causal relation.

What is a Slippery Slope fallacy?

A fallacy assuming that taking a first step will lead to subsequent steps that cannot be prevented. Signup and view all the answers

What does Weak Analogy refer to?

Comparing two things that aren't really alike. Signup and view all the answers

Define Appeal to Authority.

A fallacy where persuasion is sought by appealing to the respect people have towards the issues. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ad Hominem and Tu Quoque mean?

Focuses on attacking the person rather than the argument. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by Appeal to Pity?

When an arguer tries to get acceptance of a conclusion by making others feel sorry. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Appeal to Ignorance.

Arguing a conclusion based on the lack of evidence against it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Straw Man fallacy?

Creating a misrepresented version of an opponent's position to refute it. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a Red Herring.

Introducing a tangent to distract from the main issue in an argument. Signup and view all the answers

Define False Dichotomy.

Presenting a situation as having only two choices. Signup and view all the answers

What does Begging the Question mean?

Assuming the conclusion without providing evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Equivocation.

Sliding between different meanings of a word or phrase in an argument. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Logical Fallacy Definitions

Hasty Generalization: Drawing broad conclusions based on insufficient evidence; often leads to stereotypes, such as labeling all graduate students as nerdy.
Missing the Point: Arguments may support a conclusion, but not the one presented by the speaker; leads to irrelevant conclusions despite valid premises.
Post Hoc (False Cause): Assumes that if one event follows another, the first must be the cause of the second; exemplified by the phrase "after this, therefore because of this".
Slippery Slope: Suggests that a minor action will lead to major and adverse consequences, without sufficient evidence for such progression.
Weak Analogy: Relies on comparisons between two dissimilar entities; arguments often fail due to insufficient similarities.
Appeal to Authority: Persuasion based on the authority’s status rather than on evidence; relies on people's respect for well-known figures.
Ad Hominem and Tu Quoque:
- Ad Hominem: Attacks the person making the argument instead of the argument itself.
- Tu Quoque: Points out hypocrisy in the opponent’s position rather than addressing the argument.
Appeal to Pity: Attempts to persuade by eliciting sympathies or feelings of guilt rather than presenting logical arguments.
Appeal to Ignorance: States that lack of evidence against a claim justifies accepting that claim as true; for example, arguing that because no one has proved God's existence, He must exist.
Straw Man: Misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, focusing on a weaker version rather than the actual stance.
Red Herring: Introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention away from the original issue, often leaving the main argument unresolved.
False Dichotomy: Contrives a situation with only two choices, eliminating one to make the remaining option appear as the only feasible choice.
Begging the Question: Assumes the truth of the conclusion within its premises without providing evidence; often involves circular reasoning.
Equivocation: Uses ambiguous language to mislead; shifts meanings of a word or phrase throughout an argument to confuse the audience.

Description

Prepare for your upcoming quiz on logical fallacies with these flashcards. Each card focuses on a specific logical fallacy, providing key definitions and examples. Enhance your understanding of reasoning errors and improve your critical thinking skills.