Logical Fal

lacies
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A Logical Fallacy Is
Erroneous reasoning, improper expression, or

flawed argument due to irrelevant or inadequate

evidence
An error in reasoning that is compelling

nonetheless.

Types Of Logical Fallacies

Hasty Generalization
Post Hoc

Substituting the

Non Sequitur
Slippery Slope

Arguing in a Circle
Popular Appeal

Person
Ad Hominem
False Analogy
Red Herring
Straw Man

Andthatsjusttonameafew
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Hasty Generalization
Definition:
Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence
Example:
I was attacked by a Siamese cat; therefore, all cats are

dangerous.

Avoidance:
Do not just rely on the opinions or experiences of just a
few people, and do not use one piece of evidence to reach
a sweeping conclusion.
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Post Hoc (False Cause)

Definition:
Arguing that because B came after A, A must have
caused B
Example:
He raised taxes, and then the rate of violent crime went

up. He is responsible for the rise in crime.

Avoidance:
Explain how A caused B; dont just say that A came first
and B came later!
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Non Sequitur
Definition:
Logic that just does not follow or is not in sequence;
assuming a causal relationship exists between two things
when one does not exist
Example:
Sixty-two percent of men who drive Audis have mustaches;

therefore, growing a mustache makes a man more likely to

drive an Audi.

Avoidance:
Be sure conclusions actually make sense in relation to the
first point made.
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Slippery Slope
Definition:
Assuming, without evidence, that a given event is the first
in a series of steps that will lead inevitably to a predicted
outcome
Example:
If I fail math, I won't be able to graduate. If I don't graduate,

I probably won't be able to get a good job, and I will end up

doing temp work or flipping burgers for the rest of my life.

Avoidance:
Prove each link in the chain of events.
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Arguing in a Circle
Definition:
Supporting an argument with a part of the argument itself
Examples:
Hockey is the best sport because it is superior to all other

sports.

Avoidance:
Dont use a point to prove a very similar point.

Popular Appeal (Bandwagon)

Definition:
Drawing a conclusion based on what everyone else is
doing
Example:
Cheating is totally okay; at least 80% of students do it.

Avoidance:
Dont believe a conclusion just because everyone else
believes it or all the cool people believe it, etc.
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Substituting the Person

Definition:
Name-dropping to prove an argument; using a
person/name in place of actual proof
Example:
Tiger Woods uses Nike I should use Nike!
Oprah says that everyone should watch Dr. Phil, so I

watch Dr. Phil.

Avoidance:
Dont relying on a point just because of who said it.
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Ad Hominem
(Shooting the Messenger)
Definition:
Arguing against the messenger rather than the
concept. Person A makes Claim B. There is
something objectionable about Person A; therefore,
Claim B is false.
Example:
Fred likes the knitting team; I think Fred might be crazy

so there is no way the knitting team is a good activity for

our school to have.

Avoidance:
Argue the point, not the source.

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False Analogy
Definition:
Arguing that something is like another thing when it
really is not
Example:
Guns are like hammersthey're both tools with metal

parts that could be used to kill someone. And yet it

would be ridiculous to restrict the purchase of hammers
so restrictions on purchasing guns are equally
ridiculous.

Avoidance:
Only compare things with relevant properties.
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Red Herring
Definition:
Going off on a tangent, raising a side issue that
distracts from what's really at stake
Example:
There is great merit in making requirements stricter for

graduate students. I recommend that you support it, too.

After all, we are in a budget crisis, and we do not want
our salaries affected.

Avoidance:
Stick to the topic.
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Straw Man
Definition:
Attacking a weakened or misconstrued form of the
opponents argument
Example:
The administration wants to block every website and

punish everyone who uses their laptop to its full potential

especially if a student uses the laptop during the school
day.

Avoidance:
State opponents arguments as accurately as possible.
Aim to attack the best version of their argument.
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