Logical Fallacies

Errors in
reasoning that
invalidate the
argument
 Ad Hominem Argument against
the man
Unfairly attacking a person instead of the
issue
Attacking the character and/or reputation
of a positions supporters; Guilt by
association
Example: We cannot listen to Johns opinion on
global warming because he is a tree hugger.
 Begging the Question
The opinion to be proved is given as if it
were already proved.

Example:
Global warming doesnt exist because the
earth is not getting warmer.
False Cause (Cause and Effect)
Citing a false or remote cause to explain a
situation

Example:
The increase in global warming in the past
decade is because more teenagers are
using hairspray.
 Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
(False Cause)
After this, therefore because of this
Assuming that because two things
happened, the first one caused the second
one
Example:
Every time my brother Bill uses hairspray,
it is an extremely hot day.
 Either or Fallacy
Discussing an issue as if there are only
two alternatives
This fallacy ignores any other possible
alternatives
Example:
We either ban hairspray or the world will
end.
 Evasion
Ignoring or evading the questions
Example:
Reporter: Senator, what is your view on
global warming?
Senator: Global warming is definitely
something we need to look into.
 False Analogy
Making a comparison between two
subjects that have more dissimilarities
than similarities.

Example:
Using hairspray everyday is like launching
a nuclear weapon.
 Oversimplification
Making a complicated issue seem very
simple by using simple terms or
suppressing information
Example:
Global warming is caused by using
hairspray and other beauty products.
 Rationalization
Giving incorrect reasons to justify your
position

Example:
I dont believe in global warming because I
like using hairspray.
 Red Herring
Presenting an argument unrelated to your
subject in order to distract the reader

Example:
In order to really look at the problem of
global warming, we must first consider
how the homeless suffer when it is cold.
 Slippery Slope
Implying that one small step in the wrong
direction will cause catastrophic results

Example:
If we use just one more can of hairspray
this month, earth as we know it will no
longer exist.
 Two wrongs make a right
Defending something done wrong by citing
another incident of wrong doing

Example
American does not need to regulate
pollution because China is producing more
pollution than we are.
 Hasty Generalization
An inference drawn from insufficient
evidence

It is warmer this year in Las Vegas as

compared to last year; therefore, global
warming is rapidly accelerating.
 Straw Man
An argument in which an opponents
position is represented as being more
extreme than it actually is

Al Gore feels that all companies are

irresponsible and should be punished for
allowing emissions which causes global
warming.
 Equivocation
Juvenile tricks of language

If there really is global warming, how come

it is cooler in Fullerton this year?
 Non Sequitur
It does not follow
Argument in which claims, reasons, or
warrants fail to connect logically.

Example
We should stop using hairspray because it
is snowing in New York.