Identifying Logical Fallacies

Front

What is a logical fallacy?

Back

A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid or unsound.

Front

Define 'Appeal to Authority'.

Back

Appeal to Authority is a fallacy that occurs when someone argues that a claim is true simply because an authority figure endorses it, without providing further evidence.

Front

What is 'Slippery Slope'?

Back

Slippery Slope is a fallacy that suggests that a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in a significant (usually negative) effect.

Front

Explain 'Hasty Generalization'.

Back

Hasty Generalization is a fallacy in which a conclusion is drawn from an insufficient or biased sample.

Front

What does 'Ad Hominem' mean?

Back

Ad Hominem is a fallacy that attacks the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

Front

What is a 'Strawman' argument?

Back

A Strawman argument is a fallacy that misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

Front

Provide an example of 'Appeal to Authority'.

Back

"My doctor says this new diet is the best, so it must be true."

Front

Give an example of 'Slippery Slope'.

Back

"If we allow students to redo tests, soon they will expect to redo every assignment, and eventually, they won't take their studies seriously."

Front

What is an example of 'Hasty Generalization'?

Back

"I met two rude people from that city, so everyone from that city must be rude."

Front

Provide an example of 'Ad Hominem'.

Back

"You can't trust his argument on climate change; he's not even a scientist!"