Overview
This lecture covers the 10 most common logical fallacies, explaining their definitions, characteristics, and providing examples to help identify and avoid them in arguments.
Logical Fallacies Explained
- A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument.
- Avoiding logical fallacies is crucial to creating sound, persuasive arguments.
Common Logical Fallacies
Circular Reasoning
- Circular reasoning restates the argument instead of proving it, using the claim as its own proof.
Hasty Generalization
- A hasty generalization draws a broad conclusion from limited or insufficient evidence.
Slippery Slope
- A slippery slope assumes one action will trigger a chain of negative events without sufficient evidence.
Straw Man
- A straw man misrepresents or oversimplifies an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.
Ad Hominem
- An ad hominem attacks the opponent’s character instead of addressing their argument.
False Dichotomy
- A false dichotomy presents two options as the only possibilities, ignoring other alternatives.
Appeal to Emotion
- An appeal to emotion tries to persuade by manipulating feelings rather than presenting logical reasons.
Equivocation
- Equivocation uses ambiguous language or double meanings to mislead or confuse.
Bandwagon Appeal
- Bandwagon appeal argues that something is true or right because many people believe it.
False Analogy
- A false analogy compares two dissimilar things based on a minor or irrelevant similarity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Logical Fallacy — an error in reasoning that weakens an argument.
- Circular Reasoning — using a claim as its own proof.
- Hasty Generalization — making a conclusion with limited evidence.
- Slippery Slope — arguing one step will inevitably lead to extreme outcomes.
- Straw Man — distorting an argument to refute it more easily.
- Ad Hominem — attacking the person instead of the argument.
- False Dichotomy — presenting only two choices when more exist.
- Appeal to Emotion — using emotions to persuade instead of logic.
- Equivocation — using ambiguous language to mislead.
- Bandwagon Appeal — asserting a claim is true because many believe it.
- False Analogy — comparing unlike things as though they are similar.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your own arguments for these fallacies.
- Practice identifying each fallacy in sample arguments.
- Prepare examples of each fallacy for class discussion.