Identifying Logical Fallacies

Identifying
Logical
Fallacies

An Introduction

Have you ever heard someone make an argument that just didn't make sense?

How can you analyze these arguments?

Identifying logical fallacies helps you think critically and evaluate arguments in media and discussions.

What should I ID them?

Logical fallacies are misleading arguments that may seem valid but are based on faulty reasoning.

What are they?

Logical Fallacies

​Ad Hominem

The ad hominem fallacy attacks the person making the argument instead of addressing the argument itself.

Ad hominem literally means "to the man" or "to the person."

​​Explanation

"You can't trust Lisa's argument on climate change because she doesn't even recycle."

Example

Straw Man

The straw man fallacy misrepresents the opponent's position to make it easier to attack.

​​Explanation

"People who support school uniforms just want to take away our freedom of expression."

Example

Appeal to Ignorance

The appeal to ignorance fallacy argues that a lack of evidence against a claim is evidence for it.

​​Explanation

"No one has proven that ghosts are not real, so they must exist."

Example

False Dilemma

The false dilemma fallacy presents only two options when there may be more available.

​​Explanation

"You're either with us or against us."

Example

Slippery Slope

The slippery slope fallacy suggests that one small step will lead to a chain of events resulting in a negative outcome without evidence.

​​Explanation

"If we allow students to redo tests, soon they will expect to redo every assignment, and then nothing will be taken seriously."

Example

Circular Reasoning

In the circular reasoning fallacy, the argument's conclusion is included in the premise, making it circular and unproven.

​​Explanation

"I believe that the new school policy is good because it is beneficial for students."

Example

Hasty Generalization

The hasty generalization fallacy makes a broad conclusion based on a small or unrepresentative sample.

​​Explanation

"My neighbor got a speeding ticket, so all teenagers must drive recklessly."

Example

Bandwagon

The bandwagon fallacy suggest that something is true or good simply because many people believe it.

​​Explanation

"Everyone is buying the new smartphone; you should get one, too."

Example

Red Herring

The red herring fallacy diverts attention from the main issue by introducing an unrelated topic.

​​Explanation

"Why should we worry about climate change when there are so many problems with our schools?"

Example

Tu Quoque

The tu quoque fallacy dismisses someone's argument by pointing out their hypocrisy instead of addressing the argument itself.

Tu quoque literally means "you, too."

​​Explanation

"How can you argue against cheating when you cheated on the last test?"

Example

Quiz Time!

Multiple Choice

Read the following exchange:
Speaker 1: "We should increase funding for public libraries."
Speaker 2: "You're just saying that because you're a librarian. Your opinion doesn't count."
What logical fallacy is demonstrated here?

• Ad hominem

• Straw man

• Red herring

• False dilemma

Multiple Choice

Read this argument:
"You can't prove that aliens don't exist, so they must be real."
Which logical fallacy is shown here?

• Circular reasoning

• Appeal to ignorance

• Hasty generalization

• Bandwagon

Multiple Choice

Read this exchange:
Person 1: "You should stop drinking so much soda."
Person 2: "Well, you eat lots of candy, so who are you to talk?"
Which fallacy is shown here?

• False dilemma

• Tu quoque

• Appeal to ignorance

• Hasty generalization

Multiple Choice

Read this statement:
"My theory is correct because my evidence proves it, and my evidence is reliable because it supports my correct theory."
Which fallacy is shown here?

• Circular reasoning

• Bandwagon

• Ad hominem

• Appeal to ignorance

Multiple Choice

Read this debate:
Speaker 1: "We need to address climate change."
Speaker 2: "Let's talk about how bad the traffic is in our city instead."
Which fallacy is shown here?

• Tu quoque

• Red herring

• Circular reasoning

• Appeal to ignorance