First 15 Fallacies Quiz

What is hasty generalization?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• A diversionary tactic to divert attention

What is faulty use of authority?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• The arguer attempts to justify the claim by citing testimony or opinions of experts

What is false causation (Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc)?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• The arguer suggests that because an event follows another event, it is therefore the cause of that event

What is attack ad hominem?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• The arguer assumes that there are only two ways of looking at an issue

What is black/white (either/or, false dilemma)?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• This is when the arguer assumes that there are only two ways of looking at an issue.

What is slippery slope?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• The arguer predicts that one thing will inevitably lead to another, and that one thing will be undesirable. This is a cause-and-effect error that relies on simplistic, erroneous connections.

What is begging the question?

• The arguer makes an assertion as if she has already proven it. It lacks evidence.

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• The arguer assumes that there are only two ways of looking at an issue

What is straw man?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• The arguer attacks a view similar to but not the same as his opponent's view

What is non sequitur?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• An arguer reaches an illogical conclusion: 'Ms. Johnson is our new English teacher. She's young and should be good.'

What is ad populum?

• A conclusion reached prematurely without sufficient evidence

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses

• An attack on a person's character instead of addressing the argument

• An appeal to the prejudices of the masses that asserts if many believe it, then it is so