Fallacies of Argument AKA Logical Fallacies

What is a Fallacy? Overview of Fallacies A mistaken belief based on unsound arguments

Oversimplification An argument that implies that there is a single or simple solution to a complicated problem Simpsons Coke Ad

Red Herrings Have no relevant relationship to the argument at hand. Biden vs. Palin

Scare Tactics When fear, not based on evidence or reason, is being used as the primary motivator to get others to accept an idea, proposition, or conclusion. Allstate

Bandwagon (Ad Populum) Everyone is doing it, so you should too. Coke Commercial

False Authority Because a person is an authority in one field, it is presumed that s/he is an authority in an unrelated field. Sony Video Cameras

Ad Hominem Attacking the character of the opponent rather than the argument itself. SNL Point/Counterpoint

Hasty Generalization A conclusion to an argument that is too quick and does not have sufficient evidence to back it up. Taco Bell commercial

Faulty Causality (Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc) After this, therefore also this One thing does not always logically follow another. “If I change my socks my favorite team will lose the championships.” Number 9

Circular Logic An argument that goes around the answer without really answering it. Seinfeld

Slippery Slope (write this in your packet) Suggestion that one step will lead to a series of steps, each more negative than the last. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Direct TV Commercial

Straw Man The use of oversimplification to call attention away from the real issues. McDonald's for Lunch