False Association, False Causation, False Authority, & Faulty Premise Logical Fallacies Definition Review False Association, False Causation, False Authority, & Faulty Premise

Definition: Latin for “argument to the people” It concludes that a proposition is true because many or most people believe it.

2) Definition: Latin for “Oversimplified Saying” Arguing from an unqualified generalization (i.e., not limited in some way with “some,” “most,” etc.

3) Definition: Falsely assuming that one action must lead to another action without any argument for how this sequence of cause-and-effect events is inevitable.

4) Definition: Artificially linking an idea an arguer would have us accept to something we respect and revere to effect a positive carry-over of approval or prestige

5) Definition: Citing the opinions of experts who are not genuine authorities in the field under discussion. An expert in one field supports ideas or products in an unrelated field. A person merely poses as an authority.

6) Definition: Using a false or un-provable premise to support your argument Or presenting statements as fact that in reality are un-provable. Usually begin “If it weren’t for…”

Latin for “after this, therefore because of this” 7) Definition: Latin for “after this, therefore because of this” Using a time sequence to suggest a cause-effect relationship This fallacy can be expressed as follows: A occurred, then B occurred. Therefore, A caused B. When B is undesirable, this pattern is often extended in reverse: Avoiding A will prevent B.

8) Definition: Latin for “appeal to the passions” An appeal intended to convince by agitating the emotions & sentimental weaknesses rather than supplying a reasoned argument

9) Definition: Treating an abstract or diverse field as if it were a uniform entity with consistent beliefs Or, treating an abstract concept or idea as if it were a concrete substance or reality with some kind of authority

10) Definition: Latin for “it does not follow” Draws conclusion that does not logically and necessarily follow from the premises or evidence This fallacy may take one of two forms: Affirming the Consequent Denying the Antecedent

11) Definition: Arguing from assumptions that are inconsistent with each other

Answers

Definition: Latin for “argument to the people” It concludes that a proposition is true because many or most people believe it.

Argumentum Ad Populum

2) Definition: Latin for “Oversimplified Saying” Arguing from an unqualified generalization (i.e., not limited in some way with “some,” “most,” etc.

Dicto Simpliciter Exercise is good for you, so maybe pumping iron will cure my heart condition! Ooomph! I feel palpitations…

3) Definition: Falsely assuming that one action must lead to another action without any argument for how this sequence of cause-and-effect events is inevitable.

Slippery Slope

4) Definition: Artificially linking an idea an arguer would have us accept to something we respect and revere to effect a positive carry-over of approval or prestige

Transfer

5) Definition: Citing the opinions of experts who are not genuine authorities in the field under discussion. An expert in one field supports ideas or products in an unrelated field. A person merely poses as an authority.

Trust my medical authority! I’m a doctor. Unreliable Authority Trust my medical authority! I’m a doctor. No, you’re just an actor portraying a doctor.

6) Definition: Using a false or un-provable premise to support your argument Or presenting statements as fact that in reality are un-provable. Usually begin “If it weren’t for…”

Hypothesis Contrary to Fact If it weren’t for Mr. Bliss, we never would have learned about phallic symbols. Hypothesis Contrary to Fact

Latin for “after this, therefore because of this” 7) Definition: Latin for “after this, therefore because of this” Using a time sequence to suggest a cause-effect relationship This fallacy can be expressed as follows: A occurred, then B occurred. Therefore, A caused B. When B is undesirable, this pattern is often extended in reverse: Avoiding A will prevent B.

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc I ate a whole pizza. The next day, I scored well on my syllogisms quiz. Ergo, eating a lot of pizza makes you smart.

8) Definition: Latin for “appeal to the passions” An appeal intended to convince by agitating the emotions & sentimental weaknesses rather than supplying a reasoned argument

Argumentum Ad Populum

9) Definition: Treating an abstract or diverse field as if it were a uniform entity with consistent beliefs Or, treating an abstract concept or idea as if it were a concrete substance or reality with some kind of authority

Hypostatization Freud Jung Psychology reveals that humans are primarily motivated by erotic impulses… “Psychology” is a science with many researchers and theorists. Not all psychologists agree. Freud Jung

10) Definition: Latin for “it does not follow” Draws conclusion that does not logically and necessarily follow from the premises or evidence This fallacy may take one of two forms: Affirming the Consequent Denying the Antecedent

Non Sequitur C  4 4  C

11) Definition: Arguing from assumptions that are inconsistent with each other

Contradictory Premises Major premise: “Marijuana is a dangerous drug.” Minor Premise: “…the nature and extent of marijuana’s effect on one’s health has been neither conclusively established nor entirely eliminated…” Therefore, marijuana should be illegal. (Summary of Senator James Buckley’s 1976 argument published in the Village Voice)