Faulty Reasoning

Faulty Reasoning

A closer look at different types of faulty reasoning

​Faulty reasoning is a logical error that occurs when a conclusion is not supported by evidence or facts.

Attacking a person instead of their argument. This can include criticizing their physical appearance, personal traits, or other irrelevant characteristics.

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​Ad hominem

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of Ad hominem?

• Using statistics to back up a point.
• Presenting a counterargument to refute a claim.
• Attacking someone's character instead of their argument.
• Citing a source to support an argument.

asserts that a small action or decision will lead to a chain of increasingly dire or extreme events

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​Slippery Slope

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of slippery slope?

• If we ban all tests, students will have more free time and enjoy their studies.
• If we allow students to redo tests, they will expect to redo all assignments, leading to a lack of seriousness in their studies.
• If we let students use calculators their understanding of math will improve.

• If we allow students to choose their own grades, they will become more motivated to learn.

Restating the argument instead of proving it.

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​Circular Argument also known as Begging the Question

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of circular reasoning?

• I make a practice of always trying to be honest.

• Trustworthiness is defined by being reliable.
• 'I am trustworthy because I always tell the truth.'

• I am honest because I learned at a young age that lying never pays off.

occurs when irrelevant or misleading information is presented to DISTRACT from the main point of the issue/debate. 

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​Red herring

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of Red herring?

• Offering a personal opinion on the topic.
• Introducing an unrelated topic during a debate to distract from the main issue.
• Summarizing the key points of the debate.
• Providing a detailed analysis of the main issue.

an appeal to popularity, now days FOMO fear of missing out

​Bandwagon

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of Bandwagon?

• A statistic showing our product's market share.
• 'Join the millions who have switched to our brand!'

• A survey asking if you prefer our product over others.
• An advertisement featuring a celebrity endorsement.

when one classifies a person or group according to a common feature or quality usually negative

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​Stereotype

Multiple Choice

Which one is not a stereotype?

• A generalized assumption based on limited information.
• A widely held but oversimplified idea about a category.
• A specific individual's unique trait or behavior.
• A common belief about a group of people.

a broad statement that applies a general rule too widely, without considering exceptions

​Sweeping Generalization

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of sweeping generalization?

• All teenagers are irresponsible.
• Certain teenagers enjoy studying.

• Some teenagers are responsible.
• Certain breeds of dogs are friendly.

Poll

How well do you feel you understand faulty reasoning and fallacy?

• Very Confident

• I get it!