Logical Fallacies

Front

What is an ad hominem argument?

Back

An argument that attacks a person's character rather than addressing the argument itself.

Front

Provide an example of an ad hominem argument.

Back

"The Senator must be wrong on the issue of taxes because he's such a jerk to the people who work for him."

Front

What is the bandwagon fallacy?

Back

An argument that appeals to popular opinion as the basis for its truth.

Front

Explain circular reasoning.

Back

An argument that assumes the truth of what it is trying to prove, often restating the conclusion as a premise.

Front

What is a hasty generalization?

Back

An argument that draws a conclusion based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.

Front

Give an example of a hasty generalization.

Back

"Four out of five dentists recommend Happy Glossy toothpaste. Therefore, it must be great."

Front

What is the difference between ad hominem and straw man fallacies?

Back

Ad hominem attacks the person making the argument, while straw man misrepresents the argument itself to make it easier to attack.

Front

Define the term 'straw man fallacy'.

Back

A fallacy that occurs when someone misrepresents an argument to make it easier to attack.

Front

What is a false dichotomy?

Back

A fallacy that presents two options as the only possibilities when, in fact, more options exist.

Front

Explain the slippery slope fallacy.

Back

An argument that suggests that a relatively small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of related events culminating in some significant impact.