Fallacy Flashcards

ad hominem

An attack on the person, or the character of the person, rather than his or her arguments or opinions.

ad populum

A fallacious argument that appeals to the popularity of the claim as a reason to accept it.

begging the question

An argument that assumes that the premise of the claim is true. A type of circular reasoning.

circular reasoning

A fallacious argument that restates the argument or claim rather than proving it. The argument goes in a circle. The arguer assumes what he or she is attempting to prove.

false analogy

This is an argument that is based on a misleading comparison.

hasty generalization

A conclusion, or a claim, that is based on insufficient evidence. This happens when the arguer rushes to a conclusion before having enough relevant facts.

non-sequitor

This type of fallacy occurs when a conclusion does not follow from its premises.

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

This logical fallacy occurs when it is assumed that one thing caused another when the two events happen sequentially.

red herring

This is a logical fallacy that is a diversion tactic that leads people away from the key or real issues.

slippery slope

This fallacy occurs when a person argues that an event will inevitably happen without providing any examples that this may happen.

straw man

This logical fallacy happens when someone oversimplifies or misrepresents another person's argument in order to make it easier to attack.