Slippery Slope (definition)
A conclusion based on the premise that if A happens, then eventually through a series of small steps, through B,C....X,Y,Z will happen, too , basically equating A and Z. So, if we dont want Z to occur, A must not occur either
Slippery Slope (example)
If we ban Hummers because they are bad for the environment eventually the government will ban all cars, so we should not ban Hummers.
Hasty Generalization (definition)
A conclusion based on insufficient or biased evidence. In other words, you are rushing to a conclusion before you have all the relevant facts.
Hasty Generalization (example)
Even though its only the first day, I can tell this is going to be a boring course
Post hoc ergo propter hoc (definition)
This is a conclusion that asumes that if A occurred after B then B must have caused A
Post hoc ergo propter hoc (example)
I drank bottled water and now I am sick, so the water must have made me sick
Genetic Fallacy (definition)
A conclusion based on an argument that the origins of a person, idea, institute, or theory determine its character, nature, or worth.
Genetic Fallacy (example)
The Volkswagen Beetle is an evil car because it was originally designed by Hitler's army
Begging the Claim (definition)
The conclusion that the writer should prove is validated within the claim
Begging the Claim (example)
Filthy and polluting coal should be banned
Circular Argument (definition)
This restates the argument rather than actually proving it
Circular Argument (example)
George Bush is a good communicator because he speaks effectively
Either/or (definition)
A conclusion that oversimplifies the argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices
Either/or (example)
We can either stop using cars or destroy the earth
Ad Hominem (definition)
An attack on the character of a person rather that her/his opinions or arguments
Ad Hominem (example)
Green Peace's strategies aren't effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippies
Ad Populum (definition)
An emotional appeal that speaks to positive (such as patriotism, religion, democracy) or negative (such as terrorism or fascism) concepts rather than the real issue at hand
Ad Populum (example)
If you were a true American you would support the rights of people to choose whatever vehicle they want
Red Herring (definition)
A diversionary tactic that avoids the key issues, often by avoiding opposing arguments rather than addressing them
Red Herring (example)
The level of mercury in seafood may be unsage, but what will fishers do to support their families?
Straw Man (definition)
Oversimplifies an opponent's viewpoint and then attacks that hollow argument
Straw Man (example)
People who don't support the proposed state minimum wage increase hate the poor
Moral Equivalence (definition)
Compares two minor misdeeds with major atrocities
Moral Equivalence (example)
That parking attendant who gave me a ticket is a s bad as Hitler
Bandwagon Fallacy (definition)
Arguments that appeal to the growing popularity of an idea as a reason for accepting it as true. They take the mere fact that an idea suddenly attracting adherents as a reason for us to join in with the trend and become adherents of the idea ourselves
Bandwagon Fallacy (example)
Everyone should get the IPhone 5 because it is the most popular smart phone
Non Sequiturs (definition)
Occurs when a conclusion does not follow logically from what preceded it
Non Sequiturs (example)
The color red is the most popular car color in America; therefore, most car accidents involve red cars
Stacking the Deck (definition)
Any evidence that supports an opposing argument is simply rejected, omitted, or ignored
Stacking the Deck (example)
Global warming is not real because Antartica is still cold
Appeal to Authority (definition)
A writer seeks to persuade an audience not by giving evidence, but by appealing to the respect people have for the famous
Appeal to Authority (example)
These Shape-up shoes must work because Brooke Burke uses them
Complex Question (definition)
A question is asked (a) that rests on a questionable assumption, and (b) to which all answers appear to endorse that assumption
Complex Question (example)
Are you going to admit that you are wrong?
Sweeping Generalization (definition)
Applies a general statement too broadly (look for words like "never" or "always")
Sweeping Generalization (example)
Women always wear too much makeup