Logical Fallacies in Arguments

Front

It has snowed the last 10 years; it has to snow this year.

Back

Gambler's Fallacy

Answer explanation

This is a gambler's fallacy because I am predicting the future solely based on independent, past events. I need more evidence beyond what has happened in the past.

Front

Why would you make us do the quiz? We are your star athletes!

Back

Special Pleading

Answer explanation

This is a fallacy because I am asking for a double standard; I am pleading for special treatment simply because "we are athletes."

Front

Students should be able to write a 5 page paper in just a few hours; teachers do it all the time. What type of logical fallacy is this?

Back

False Analogy

Answer explanation

This is a fallacy because I am making a comparison between students and teachers when both groups are markedly different.

Front

Germany is an industrious country. I bet all Germans work hard.

Back

Division

Answer explanation

This is a fallacy because I am assuming that what is true of the whole (Germany) is true of the parts (the citizens as individuals).

Front

Let's compromise and you can make us do only half of our speech.

Back

Middle Ground

Answer explanation

This is a fallacy because I am seeking a compromise (middle ground), and the middle way is not always the best way.

Front

This fallacy occurs when the characteristics of the parts are placed on the whole.

Back

Composition

Front

This fallacy occurs when a cause is attributed to an outcome when no causal link has been established.

Back

False Cause

Front

This fallacy occurs when an isolated event is used to make a statement about an entire group.

Back

Hasty Generalization

Front

This fallacy occurs when only two choices are offered when other alternatives remain.

Back

False Dichotomy

Front

This fallacy occurs when one defends an argument that is different from/irrelevant to the original claim.

Back

Irrelevant Thesis