1. Errors in reasoning that invalidate the argument
Logical Fallacies
Errors in reasoning that invalidate the argument

2. Ad Hominem – “Argument against the man”
Unfairly attacking a person instead of the issue
Attacking the character and/or reputation of a position’s supporters; “Guilt by association”
Example: We cannot listen to John’s opinion on global warming because he is a tree hugger.

3. Begging the Question
The opinion to be proved is given as if it were already proved.
Example:
Global warming doesn’t exist because the earth is not getting warmer.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.”

8. False Analogy
Making a comparison between two subjects that have more dissimilarities than similarities.
Example:
Using hairspray everyday is like launching a nuclear weapon.

9. 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.

10. Rationalization Giving incorrect reasons to justify your position
Example:
I don’t believe in global warming because I like using hairspray.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Straw Man
An argument in which an opponent’s 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.

16. Equivocation Juvenile tricks of language
If there really is global warming, how come it is cooler in Fullerton this year?

17. 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.