15 Logical Fallacies You Should Avoid in Arguments

Arguments are an essential part of everyday life. We use them to persuade others to see our point of view, to make decisions, and to solve problems. However, not all arguments are created equal. Some arguments are based on sound logic and evidence, while others are based on faulty reasoning and logical fallacies.

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can lead to false or misleading s. They can be intentional or unintentional, and they can be difficult to spot, especially if you're not familiar with them.

Be A Great Debater: Logical Mistakes You Should Avoid

by Joyce Maynard

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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In this article, we'll discuss fifteen common logical fallacies and provide examples of how they can be used in arguments. We'll also show you how to identify and avoid these fallacies in your own arguments.

1. Ad Hominem

An ad hominem fallacy is an attack on the person making the argument, rather than on the argument itself. This type of fallacy is often used to discredit the opponent and make their argument seem less credible.

For example, if someone argues that we should ban smoking in public places, an ad hominem fallacy would be to respond by saying that the person is a hypocrite because they smoke themselves.

2. Straw Man

A straw man fallacy is a misrepresentation of the opponent's argument in order to make it easier to attack. This type of fallacy is often used to create a false dichotomy, where the opponent is forced to choose between two extreme options.

For example, if someone argues that we should increase taxes on the wealthy, a straw man fallacy would be to respond by saying that the person wants to raise taxes on everyone, including the poor.

3. Red Herring

A red herring fallacy is a distraction from the main topic of the argument. This type of fallacy is often used to derail the discussion and make it more difficult to focus on the real issues.

For example, if someone argues that we should invest in renewable energy, a red herring fallacy would be to respond by talking about the dangers of nuclear power.

4. Appeal to Emotion

An appeal to emotion fallacy is an attempt to persuade someone based on their emotions, rather than on logic or evidence. This type of fallacy is often used in advertising and propaganda, and it can be very effective in swaying people's opinions.

For example, an advertisement for a new car might use an appeal to emotion by showing happy families driving the car and enjoying themselves.

5. Appeal to Ignorance

An appeal to ignorance fallacy is an argument that something must be true because it has not been proven false, or that something must be false because it has not been proven true. This type of fallacy is often used to support conspiracy theories and other unfounded claims.

For example, someone might argue that aliens must exist because there is no evidence to prove that they don't.

6. Begging the Question

A begging the question fallacy is an argument that assumes the truth of the in order to prove the . This type of fallacy is often used in circular reasoning, where the premise and the are essentially the same thing.

For example, someone might argue that God exists because the Bible says so, and then use the Bible as evidence to prove that God exists.

7. False Dilemma

A false dilemma fallacy is an argument that presents only two options, when in reality there are more than two options available. This type of fallacy is often used to force people to choose between two extreme options, even if neither option is acceptable.

For example, someone might argue that we must either go to war or surrender, when in reality there are many other options available, such as diplomacy or negotiation.

8. Hasty Generalization

A hasty generalization fallacy is an argument that draws a general from a small or unrepresentative sample. This type of fallacy is often used to make sweeping generalizations about entire groups of people or things.

For example, someone might argue that all Muslims are terrorists because they have seen a few news stories about Muslim terrorists.

9. Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

A post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy is an argument that assumes that because one event happened after another event, the first event must have caused the second event. This type of fallacy is often used to support superstitious beliefs and other unfounded claims.

For example, someone might argue that their lucky charm brought them good luck because they won the lottery after they started wearing it.

10. Slippery Slope

A slippery slope fallacy is an argument that claims that a series of small steps will inevitably lead to a larger, more undesirable outcome. This type of fallacy is often used to scare people into taking action or to prevent them from taking action.

For example, someone might argue that if we allow same-sex marriage, then we will eventually allow polygamy and incest.

11. Appeal to Authority

An appeal to authority fallacy is an argument that claims that something is true because an expert or authority figure said it is true. This type of fallacy is often used to support claims that are not supported by evidence or logic.

For example, someone might argue that we should believe in astrology because it is supported by famous astrologers.

12. Appeal to Tradition

An appeal to tradition fallacy is an argument that claims that something is true because it has always been done that way. This type of fallacy is often used to resist change and to support traditional values and beliefs.

For example, someone might argue that we should not allow women to vote because women have never been allowed to vote before.

13. Appeal to Nature

An appeal to nature fallacy is an argument that claims that something is good or natural because it is found in nature. This type of fallacy is often used to support claims about nutrition, health, and the environment.

For example, someone might argue that organic food is healthier than non-organic food because organic food is more natural.

14. Tu Quoque

A tu quoque fallacy is an argument that attempts to discredit an argument by pointing out the hypocrisy of the person making the argument. This type of fallacy is often used to silence dissent and to avoid having to address the actual issues in the argument.

For example, if someone argues that we should ban smoking in public places, a tu quoque fallacy would be to respond by saying that the person is a hypocrite because they smoke themselves.

15. False Equivalence

A false equivalence fallacy is an argument that claims that two things are equivalent when they are not actually equivalent. This type of fallacy is often used to make one thing seem better or worse than it actually is.

For example, someone might argue that socialism is the same as communism, when in reality they are two very different political systems.

In this article, we have discussed fifteen common logical fallacies and provided examples of how they can be used in arguments. We have also shown you how to identify and avoid these fallacies in your own arguments.

By understanding logical fallacies, you can become a more critical thinker and a more persuasive communicator. You will be less likely to be fooled by fallacious arguments, and you will be better able to defend your own arguments against attack.

Be A Great Debater: Logical Mistakes You Should Avoid

by Joyce Maynard

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	58 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE