Logical Fallacies

Also known as bandwagon fallacy, it appeals to popularity of a practice as a way to persuade.

• ad hominem

• strawman

• ad populum

• false analogy

Answer explanation

When you think bandwagon or ad populum, think popular. Look at the word. They try to persuade you by convincing you it is popular.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.5

Tries to distract from the argument by avoiding the key issues or ignoring the opposing view

• red herring

• ad hominem

• false analogy

• ad populum

Answer explanation

The key word is distract-throwing something into the conversation that is not relevant. Think about a fish being thrown-that would distract.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

States that a casual chain of events will result in an unlikely or extreme outcome.

• slippery slope

• false analogy

• ad populum

• strawman

Answer explanation

Think about a slippery slope as an outcome (result) you would not want...

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

Uses the conclusion as the proof that the argument has been proven.

• ad hominem

• slippery slope

• circular reasoning

• non sequitur

Answer explanation

A circle goes around and around and around. Circular reasoning never makes a key point. It just wants you to think that it has...

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

A reply or conclusion that follows no kind of order.

• ad populum

• false analogy

• ad hominem

• non sequitur

Answer explanation

Sequitur makes me think of sequence. Non sequitur follows no logical order or sequence. Just leaves you questioning.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

An analogy that incorrectly connects two things based on other shared characteristics.

• strawman

• false analogy

• circular reasoning

• ad populum

Answer explanation

An analogy is a comparison of two things.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Oversimplified of and attack on the viewpoint of another or the misrepresentation of the viewpoint of another.

• red herring

• false analogy

• strawman

• circular reasoning

Answer explanation

That scarecrow was considered to have a simple mind.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

An attack on someone's character rather than using logic to make an argument.

• strawman

• false analogy

• hasty generalization

• ad hominem

Answer explanation

Character usually refers to a human. Hominem comes from the Latin for man.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

General statement or conclusion that is made without enough (if any) evidence.

• ad hominem

• strawman

• red herring

• hasty generalization

Answer explanation

General-generalization

You should be hasty to believe something without evidence to back it up.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

My political opponent is a crook!

• ad populum

• strawman

• ad hominem

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1