Defect that weakens an argument Fallacy Defect that weakens an argument

Arguing by attacking the personal character of an opponent Ad Hominem Arguing by attacking the personal character of an opponent

“How would you know that touchdown pass was illegal “How would you know that touchdown pass was illegal? You’re a bloody Broncos fan.” “Of course teachers want more money for education. All they’re concerned about is their raises.” Ad Hominem

Ad Hominem

Begging the Question/ Circular Reasoning assuming in the premise what the arguer should be trying to prove in the conclusion. This tactic asks readers to agree that certain points are self-evident when in fact they are not.

"If such actions were not illegal, then they would not be prohibited by the law." "The belief in God is universal. After all, everyone believes in God." Interviewer: "Your resume looks impressive but I need another reference." Bill: "Jill can give me a good reference." Interviewer: "Good. But how do I know that Jill is trustworthy?" Bill: "Well, I can vouch for her." Begging the Question/ Circular Reasoning

Begging the Question/ Circular Reasoning

Equivocation the misleading use of a term with more than one meaning or sense (by glossing over which meaning is intended at a particular time). Image: http://41.media.tumblr.com/b17496e87068a3e8ce9656435c5a5c22/tumblr_n7u51oMYsH1tw823uo2_r1_1280.jpg

I have the right to watch "The Real World," so it's right for me to watch the show. Therefore, I'll watch the "Real World" marathon tonight instead of studying. From Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass: "You couldn't have it if you didn't want it," the Queen said. "The rule is jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today." "It must come to jam today," Alice objected. "No, it can't," said the Queen. "It's jam every other day: today isn't any other day, you know." Equivocation

The sign said "fine for parking here", and since it was fine, I parked there. Equivocation

Hasty Generalization Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that’s abnormal or too small. Image: http://www.culturescribe.com/design/digital-papercut-illustrations-by-eiko-ojala/

Wow. Did you see that teenager run that red light Wow! Did you see that teenager run that red light? Teenage drivers are dangerous and rude. Three congressional representatives have had affairs. Members of Congress are untrustworthy adulterers. Hasty Generalization

Hasty Generalization

Non Sequitur When the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises. no LOGICAL connection Image: http://connotemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Connote-C-Suite-Disconnect.jpg

Brian is athletic. Brian is Canadian Brian is athletic. Brian is Canadian. Therefore, all Canadians are athletic. “I want to buy a sports car, because I like riding bicycles. Hold on to my handlebar mustache if you value your life.” ― Jarod Kintz, This Book Has No Title Non Sequitur

Non Sequitur

Post hoc ergo propter hoc literally, “after this therefore because of this.” The post hoc fallacy is committed when it is assumed that because one thing occurred after another, it must have occurred as a result of it. Just because one thing follows another does not mean that it was caused by it. no CAUSAL connection

Post hoc ergo propter hoc Roosters crow just before the sun rises. Therefore, roosters crowing cause the sun to rise. I took a pill; I got better; therefore, the pill made me better. Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Red Herring a distraction used to avoid or derail an argument, often designed to appear logical.

Red Herring Mom: Why didn’t you do the dishes like I asked? Kid: There aren’t even that many dishes and I have so much homework! Kid: "Hey, what's with all this junk food you bought? You're always complaining about me not eating healthy. Dad: "Don't fuss -- it was on sale." Red Herring

Red Herring