Logical Fallacies

What is a Faulty Analogy?

• Comparing things that are identical in every way.

• Comparing things that are similar in some ways, but not where it matters most.

• A logical fallacy that involves a direct contradiction.

• A comparison that highlights only the differences between two things.

What is a Hasty Generalization?

• Making a claim based on one or two examples that may not be relevant to the claims or subject.

• A logical fallacy where a conclusion is drawn from insufficient evidence.

• A method of reasoning that relies on statistical data to support a claim.

• An argument that presents two options as the only possibilities when more exist.

What is the Either/Or Fallacy?

• A logical fallacy that presents two options as the only possibilities.

• A fallacy that involves attacking the character of the opponent.

• A reasoning error that occurs when one assumes that correlation implies causation.

• Reducing complex arguments to simply right/wrong, ignoring other possible sides.

Confirmation Bias

• A tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with a person's existing beliefs

• A method of evaluating evidence without any preconceived notions

• An approach to decision-making that relies solely on statistical data

• A psychological phenomenon where individuals seek out contradictory information

What is an Appeal to False Authority?

• Using a source quote from someone who is not an expert in the field.

• Citing a well-known figure in a relevant area of expertise.

• Referencing a scientific study without proper context.

• Quoting a popular opinion without evidence.

What is the Bandwagon Fallacy?

• When evidence merely says that the reasoning is because others do a certain activity or like a certain thing without providing solid evidence.

• When an argument is based on the popularity of a belief rather than its validity.

• When someone argues that a conclusion must be true because it has not been proven false.

• When a conclusion is drawn based on emotional appeal rather than logical reasoning.

What is Begging the Question/Circular Reasoning?

• Using a definition as supporting evidence (repeating information instead of using reasoning)

• Providing an example that contradicts the argument

• Using unrelated evidence to support a claim

• Making an assumption without evidence

What is a Slippery Slope argument?

• Arguments that suggest a minor action will lead to major and often ludicrous consequences, usually without evidence.

• Arguments that proclaim that one incident will start a chain of events leading to devastating results, often exaggerated and inaccurate.

• Arguments that focus on the benefits of a particular action without considering potential downsides.

• Arguments that rely on emotional appeals rather than logical reasoning.

What is Faulty Causality?

• Drawing the conclusion that when two events happen close together one has caused the other.

• A logical fallacy where a cause is incorrectly identified.

• The assumption that correlation implies causation.

• A method of reasoning that relies on statistical data.

What is an Ad Hominem fallacy?

• A logical argument that supports a claim with evidence.

• Attacking one’s character rather than the issue.
  An insult does not evaluate the quality of an argument.

• A fallacy that involves misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

• A type of argument that relies on emotional appeal rather than logic.