Logical Fallacies Lecture Notes

Introduction to Logical Fallacies

• Definition: A logical fallacy is a pattern of reasoning that leads you astray.
• Importance: Identifying common patterns helps avoid traps of bad reasoning.
• Caution: Logical fallacies are hard to determine in practice; arguing with caution is advised.
• Study Resource: Free textbook, "For All X," is recommended for further study.

Common Logical Fallacies

1. Ad Hominem

• Description: Attacking the person rather than the argument.
• Key Point: Focus on argument validity, not the character of the person.

2. Straw Man

• Description: Mischaracterizing an argument to make it weaker.
• Opposite Practice: Principle of Charity or "Steel Manning."

3. Appeal to Authority

• Description: Using an authority's position to validate a claim.
• Key Point: Experts can be wrong; examine arguments and evidence.

4. False Dilemma

• Description: Presenting two choices as the only options.
• Example Context: Common in politics and policy decisions.

5. Equivocation

• Description: Using the same word with different meanings.
• Example: "Light" meaning weight vs. color.

6. Circular Argument (Begging the Question)

• Description: Assuming what needs to be proved.
• Example: Using the Bible to prove its own reliability.

7. Hasty Generalization

• Description: Making a generalization with insufficient evidence.

8. Comparative Fallacy

• Description: Using a comparison to establish an absolute claim.

9. Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

• Description: Attributing causation because one event follows another.
• Key Reminder: Correlation is not causation.

10. Appeal to Ignorance

• Description: Claiming something is true because it hasn't been proven false.

11. Appeal to Nature

• Description: Asserting something is good because it is natural.

12. Appeal to Popularity

• Description: Using popular opinion to establish a claim's truth.

13. Guilt by Association

• Description: Discrediting an idea by associating it with an undesirable group.

14. No True Scotsman

• Description: Revising definitions ad hoc to avoid counterexamples.

15. Fallacy of Composition

• Description: Assuming what is true of parts is true of the whole.

16. Fallacy of Division

• Description: Assuming what is true of the whole is true of its parts.

17. Appeal to Hypocrisy

• Description: Disputing a claim because the arguer does not act consistently.

18. Burden of Proof

• Description: Misplacing the weight of evidence onto the disputing party.

19. Fallacy Fallacy

• Description: Assuming a bad argument for a conclusion means the conclusion is false.

Conclusion

• Study Advice: Utilize the textbook "For All X" for further understanding of logical fallacies.
• Encouragement: Engage in well-reasoned and good arguments.

[Link to "For All X" textbook in description]