Glossary
Ad Hominem
A fallacy that attacks the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making an argument, rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself.
Example:
Dismissing a scientist's climate change research by saying, 'You can't trust her findings; she drives a gas-guzzling SUV!' is an ad hominem attack.
Argumentation
The process of forming reasons, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in discussion, often involving the construction and evaluation of claims supported by evidence.
Example:
The debate club focused on developing strong argumentation skills, teaching members how to build compelling cases and anticipate counterarguments.
Critical Thinking
The objective analysis and evaluation of information in order to form a judgment, involving questioning assumptions and seeking multiple perspectives.
Example:
A student demonstrating critical thinking would not just accept a news headline at face value but would investigate the source, evidence, and potential biases.
False Cause (Post Hoc)
A fallacy that assumes because one event follows another, the first event must have caused the second, confusing correlation with causation.
Example:
Believing that wearing your lucky socks caused your team to win the championship, simply because you wore them during the game, is an example of false cause.
False Dilemma (False Dichotomy)
A fallacy that presents only two options or sides as the only possibilities, when in reality, more options exist.
Example:
The statement, 'You either support the new school budget or you don't care about our children's education,' presents a false dilemma by ignoring other ways to show care or improve education.
Flawed Line of Reasoning
An argument where the logical connections between premises and conclusion are unsound, leading to an unconvincing or invalid conclusion.
Example:
The politician's argument that 'since crime rates went down after I took office, I must be solely responsible' demonstrates a flawed line of reasoning because it ignores other potential factors.
Hasty Generalization
A logical fallacy where a broad conclusion is drawn from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.
Example:
After meeting one rude tourist from Paris, concluding that 'all Parisians are rude' is a classic hasty generalization.
Logical Fallacies
Errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument, making it unsound or invalid.
Example:
Understanding common logical fallacies like ad hominem or hasty generalization helps you identify weaknesses in arguments you encounter.
Rhetorical Analysis
The examination of how authors use language and rhetorical strategies to achieve a purpose and persuade an audience.
Example:
In a rhetorical analysis essay, you might explore how a speaker uses emotional appeals and logical arguments to sway public opinion.
Straw Man
A fallacy that misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack or refute.
Example:
When a student proposes a later school start time for more sleep, and the principal responds, 'So you want students to just sleep all day and never learn anything?' that's a straw man fallacy.