Logical Fallacies False beliefs that may seem true

Logical Fallacies False beliefs that may “seem” true or Lies that make sense

Begging the Question • (aka circular reasoning) • Using the argument in the argument • Example: This handwriting is hard to read because it is nearly illegible.

Non-sequitor • (Latin translation – “It does not follow. ”) • The conclusion does not follow from the preceding arguments • Example: Tom does not drink or smoke, so he ought to make a good husband.

Argumentum Ad Hominem • (“Argument to the man”) • Turning from the issue to the character involved • Example: Smith should not be elected. He just got a divorce, and his father is an alcoholic.

Ad Misericordium • An appeal for sympathy • Example: – Did you steal the money? – I’m out of work, my family hasn’t eaten in two days, and my wife has just been arrested.

Overgeneralizing • Too few instances are presented to reach an accurate conclusion • Example: Tall men like ice cream.

False Analogy • Wrongful comparisons of dissimilar situations • Example: Doctors have X-rays to guide them during operations; therefore, students should be able to use their books during examinations.

Ad Vericundium • (“to the truth”) • An appeal to authority • Example: – The doctor says that… – My teacher says that… – It says in the Bible that…

Ad Populum • (“to the populace”) • An appeal to the crowd • Example: My fellow Americans…

Self-evident Truths • Jumping to a forgone conclusion • Example: Everybody knows…

Guilt (or Innocence) by Association • Because of a group of people you hang out with or an action someone has seen you do, it is assumed you are guilty or innocent • Example: Max reads all of those radical magazine articles that favor a coup, so he must want to overthrow the government.

Either/Or Fallacy • Absolute extremes which do not allow for intermediate cases • Example: Do you want to go to college or dig ditches all your life?