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Logical Fallacies
AP Lang
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Inductive fallacy | When an arguer leaps to a conclusion on the basis of insufficient or wrong evidence |
Deductive fallacy | When an arguer fails to follow logic of a series of statements |
Hasty generalization | Arguer draws conclusions based on insufficient evidence, usually leading to a prejudice or superstition |
Faulty use of authority | Cites an authority to back up claim when either the authority is not really an authority or there is a significant difference of opinion among multiple authorities on the subject and the arguer fails to mention it |
Post hoc, ergo propter hoc | When an arguer attempts to claim that an independent event happened because of another event when it really didn't have anything to do with it |
Begging the question | Assumes truth of conclusion instead of supporting it |
Scare tactic | Attempts to create support by increasing fear towards alternative |
Ad hominem | Topic avoided and instead arguer attacks character/motive/attributes of opposing arguer |
Red herring | Misleads or distracts from relevant issue |
False dilemma | Something claimed to be an "either, or" situation when there is another option |
Ad populum | Bandwagon; Peer pressure |
Appeal to force | Persuade by threats |
Strawman | Someone argues that a person holds a view that is actually not what the other person is claiming and strikes down that idea |
Slippery slope | Suggests taking a minor action will lead to major and sometimes ludicrous consequences |
Appeals to pity | Tries to win support by exploiting opponents feelings of pity or guilt |
Appeal to tradition | Something is accepted as true or better because it is "the way it's always been" |
Guilt by association | Argument attacks a person because of the similarity between views of someone making an argument and opponents own argument |