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Types of Logical Fallacies Explained

This document defines and provides examples of common logical fallacies that can undermine the credibility of an argument. It identifies 18 different types of logical fallacies, such as ad hominem attacks, begging the question, false dilemmas, false authority, hasty generalizations, and straw man arguments. Misusing these logical fallacies can weaken an argument and cause one to lose credibility with an audience.

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Cynthia Elizabeth
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4 views1 page

Types of Logical Fallacies Explained

This document defines and provides examples of common logical fallacies that can undermine the credibility of an argument. It identifies 18 different types of logical fallacies, such as ad hominem attacks, begging the question, false dilemmas, false authority, hasty generalizations, and straw man arguments. Misusing these logical fallacies can weaken an argument and cause one to lose credibility with an audience.

Uploaded by

Cynthia Elizabeth
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

62

S T U D E N T H A N D O U T
Misusing logical appeal in a persuasive setting can hurt the credibility of a claim or person. Below are different types of logical
fallacy that can cause one to lose credibility.
Logical Fallacy Denition Example
Ad hominem An attack against an opponents character
instead of against an argument.
Francis Bacons philosophy should be dismissed since Bacon
was removed from his chancellorship for dishonesty.
Begging the question When the claim is included in the evidence, so
nothing is proved.
Since Im not lying, I must be telling the truth.
Complex cause A complex event is shown as having only one
cause.
We lost the game because Wilson missed the last shot.
Complex question When two different points are linked together
in one statement.
Do you support freedom and the right to bear arms?
Either/or; also called
false dilemma
When only two options are given when many
choices exist.
Either youre for the Republican plan or youre a socialist
and un-American.
Equivocation Using a same word with two different
meanings.
The sign said, Fine for Parking Here, so since it was ne, I
parked here.
False analogy Comparing two things that are not similar
enough to compare.
That political leader is the Jesus Christ of the 20th century.
False authority When someone who is not an expert gives
testimony.
I bought a Harley Davidson because Arnold
Schwarzenegger says its the best motorcycle.
Faulty cause and
effect
Lack of connection between two consecutive
events.
Because I watched Friends last night, I passed my math
test.
Hasty generalization When a claim draws a conclusion based on
insufcient evidence.
Women are bad drivers.
Moral equivalence Comparing something minor to something
serious, as if they are equal.
That police ofcer who gave me a ticket is as bad as Hitler.
Placing blame
elsewhere
Avoiding the issues by attacking something
else.
You criticize Chinese human rights violations, but what
about the homeless in American slums?
Prejudicial language Loaded or overly emphasized word choice. Right-wing fanatics and NRA stormtroopers will ght to keep
guns ring.
Red herring When a rebuttal ignores the question asked. Question: Did the president have an affair? Answer: The
president is very busy at the moment with the Middle East
peace talks and has no time for silly accusations.
Stacking the deck Completely leaving out one side of an
argument.
There should be no moment of silence in schools because
it discriminates against certain religions, causes unnecessary
controversy and takes away from study time.
Straw man Attacking an opponents weaker argument
rather than his strongest.
Senator Jones says that we should not fund the attack
submarine program. I disagree entirely. I cant understand
why he wants to leave us defenseless like that.
Wrong direction The cause-and-effect relationship is reversed. Cancer causes smoking.

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