Fallacies in Reasoning

Assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other

• False Causation

• False Dichotomy

• Hasty Generalization

• Straw Man

Presents only two choices when more options exist

• False Causation

• False Dichotomy

• Hasty Generalization

• Straw Man

A very broad claim based on very little evidence

• False Causation

• False Dichotomy

• Hasty Generalization

• Straw Man

A misrepresentation of an opponent’s position that makes it easier to argue against

• False Causation

• False Dichotomy

• Hasty Generalization

• Straw Man

You never even finished law school, so why should I trust you to watch my children?

• Ad Hominem

• Appeal to Nature

• Bandwagon

• Circular Reasoning

• Guilt by Association

Animals tread softly upon the earth without shoes, so all other living beings should follow suit.

• Ad Hominem

• Appeal to Nature

• Bandwagon

• Circular Reasoning

• Guilt by Association

Officer, I was only driving as fast as everyone around me. I'm sure I wasn't speeding.

• Ad Hominem

• Appeal to Nature

• Bandwagon

• Circular Reasoning

• Guilt by Association

Victor, the company you work for just filed for bankruptcy! How can I trust you with our money?

• Red Herring

• Appeal to Nature

• Bandwagon

• Circular Reasoning

• Guilt by Association

Since Anna Camacho became vice president of the parent-teacher association, student performance has declined and teacher morale is down. We on the school board believe that Camacho bears sole responsibility for the downtrend.

• False Causation

• False Dichotomy

• Hasty Generalization

• Straw Man

The museum's new gemstones and precious minerals exhibit needs more security guards. If you don't agree, then you must be planning to steal a piece of the exhibit

• False Causation

• False Dichotomy

• Hasty Generalization

• Straw Man