Logical Fallacies

Front

A personal attack on an opponent that draws attention away from the issue.

Back

Ad Hominem

Front

Stating that something should be done a certain way simply because it has been done that way in the past.

Back

Appeal to Tradition

Front

Stating that something should be done (or agreed to) because everyone else thinks this way.

Back

Bandwagon

Front

Assumption that because two things are alike in some ways, they must be alike in others.

Back

False Analogy

Front

Assumption that an expert in one field can be credible in another.

Back

False Authority

Front

Assumption that because one event follows another, the first is the cause of the second.

Back

False Cause

Front

Stating that only two alternatives exist when there are actually more than two.

Back

False Dilemma

Front

A conclusion based on too little evidence or on exceptional or biased evidence.

Back

Hasty Generalization

Front

A statement that leaves out relevant material in order to imply that there is a single cause or solution for a complex problem.

Back

Oversimplification

Front

Assumption that if one thing is allowed, then it will be the first step in a downward spiral.

Back

Slippery Slope