Logical Fallacies

• False Dilemma - occurs when the arguer presents his / her arguments as one of the only two options despite the presence of multiple possibilities or options. (Narrowing down the options)
• Appeal to ignorance - It occurs when something is instantly concluded although the argument was not yet proven to be true or false. (Jumping to conclusion)
• Hasty generalization - occurs when a sample is not enough to draw a generalization for a certain population. (Stereotyping)
• Anonymous authority - occurs when the authority in question was not named or mentioned.
• Slippery slope - occurs when an exaggerated and superficial series of events were drawn out from a simple argument. (Overreacting to an argument)
• Appeal to Force - occurs when a threat is used instead of reasoning.
• Appeal to authority - occurs when someone insists that a claim is true simply because a valid authority or expert on the issue said it was true.
• Attacking the Person - occurs when someone tries to refute an argument by attacking the character of the person instead of attacking the argument itself.
• Appeal to pity - occurs when the element of pity is used instead of logical reasoning.

  Ex: Please do not fire me for being absent all month. I have a sick mother and a special child to support.
• Bandwagon - occurs when the argument was accepted or was considered to be valid since the “majority” agrees and believes in it.
• Attacking the Person (Ad Hominem)
• Appeal to Pity (Ad Misericordiam)
• Appeal to Authority (Ad Verecundian)
• False Dilemma

  Ex: Child to parent: Either you buy me this new book, or you decide that reading is not important at all.

  Ex: You are for us, or you are against us.

  Ex: Either you buy me this new book, or you decide that reading is not important at all.
• Appeal to Force

  Ex: If you don't vote for Candidate Y, I'll make sure you regret it.

  Ex: If you do not admit that evolution is not real, we will isolate you from the group.

  Ex: If you keep complaining about this, you might find yourself without a job.
• Appeal to Ignorance

  Ex: No one can actually prove that God exists; therefore, God does not exist.

  Ex: I believe in psychic powers because no one has been able to prove that they don't exist.

  Ex: There must be intelligent extraterrestrial life out there. No one has proven that there isn't, so it's reasonable to believe in UFOs and aliens.
• Appeal to Pity

  Ex: I know I didn't finish the project on time, but my dog got sick, and I had to spend all night at the vet. Can't you cut me some slack?

  Ex: I know I missed several classes, but my car broke down, and I couldn't afford to fix it. I've been going through a tough time, and it's affecting my attendance. Can you pass me, please?
• Appeal to Authority

  Ex: I don't believe in climate change. My favorite talk show host says it's just a hoax created by scientists to get more funding.

  Ex: My paper on quantum physics must be correct because it was written by Professor Smith, who has a Ph.D. in physics.

  Ex: I don't trust vaccines. Jenny McCarthy, a famous celebrity and mom, says they caused her child's autism.
• Bandwagon

  Ex: All the popular kids at school are wearing this brand of clothing. If you want to fit in and be cool, you should wear it too.

  Ex: The majority of the country supports Candidate X, so they must be the right choice for president. Join the winning side!

  Ex: All our friends are trying this new diet where you only eat one type of food per day. It's super popular, and everyone says it works. Let's do it together!
• Hasty Generalization

  Ex: I met a person from City X, and they were rude. Therefore, people from City X must all be rude.

  Ex: I heard about one politician involved in a scandal. All politicians must be corrupt and dishonest.

  Ex: I read the first chapter of this novel, and it was boring. The whole book must be dull.