Logical Fallacies Definitions 1

Introduces an irrelevant point into an argument.

• Equivocation

• Red Herring

• Straw Man

• Genetic Fallacy

Using a double standard or arguing for an unjustified exception to the rule.

• Genetic Fallacy

• Tu Quoque

• Special Pleading

• Fallacy of Composition

Attacking an opponent's character or their motives for believing something.

• Ad Hominem

• Red Herring

• Tu Quoque

• Appeal to the People

Condemning an argument because of where it began, how it began, or who began it.

• Fallacy of Division

• Circular Reasoning

• Appeal to Authority

• Genetic Fallacy

Dismissing someone's viewpoint on an issue because they are also inconsistent on that issue.

• Ad Hominem

• Tu Quoque

• Genetic Fallacy

• Appeal to the People

Referencing someone who has no special knowledge in the area being discussed.

• Tu Quoque

• Genetic Fallacy

• Appeal to the People

• Appeal to Authority

Claiming that an argument is correct because many others agree with it.

• Appeal to Authority

• Appeal to the People

• Equivocation

• Straw Man

Changing or exaggerating an opponent's position to make it easier to refute.

• Ad Hominem

• Straw Man

• Genetic Argument

• Appeal to Authority

An argument which says "P is true because Q is true, and Q is true because P is true."

• Ad Hominem

• Straw Man

• Tu Quoque

• Circular Reasoning

Changing the meaning of the word mid-argument.

• Equivocation

• Circular Reasoning

• Appeal to the People

• Red Herring