Logical Fallacies

A personal attack on an opponent that draws attention away from the issue.

Stating that something should be done a certain way simply because it has been done that way in the past.

Stating that something should be done (or agreed to) because everyone else thinks this way.

Assumption that because two things are alike in some ways, they must be alike in others.

Assumption that an expert in one field can be credible in another.

Assumption that because one event follows another, the first is the cause of the second.

Stating that only two alternatives exist when there are actually more than two.

A conclusion based on too little evidence or on exceptional or biased evidence.

A statement that leaves out relevant material in order to imply that there is a single cause or solution for a complex problem.

Assumption that if one thing is allowed, then it will be the first step in a downward spiral.