Logical Fallacies and Errors in Reasoning
Slippery Slope Argument - if one thing happens, other things are bound to happen. The most notorious argument (though in a particular person's case it might be true) is the argument: "Marijuana use will lead to the use of hard drugs like cocaine and heroin." Another: "If we don't stop Communism now, it will take over the earth."
Black and White Thinking - if it isn't one thing, then it must be the other.
This theory does not allow or account for any "gray" area or gradation
between extremes. "Either you do all your homework or you won't learn
a thing." No, if one does some homework, (s)he is likely to learn something;
should (s)he do more, the more will (s)he learn.
Hasty Generalizations - one draws a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.
"Let's have Vukki be our bouncer 'cause all Samoans are tough."
This leads to stereotyping.
False Cause (Post hoc, ergo propter hoc - after this, therefore because of
this) - Since one thing follows another it appears the first caused the second.
"As soon as David entered the class, Mr. J keeled over in fits. Obviously,
David is a wizard." "Bill Clinton was our greatest President since
he reigned over the greatest economic boom time ever."
False Authority - An authority in one field is used to support evidence from
another, unrelated field. Tiger Woods endorses Buick; he, rightly, endorses
Titlest. As a champion golfer he is an authority on golf balls, but what does
he know about auto mechanics?
Red Herring - When a pack of dogs was trailing someone, the escaping fugitive
would drag a "red" herring across his/her trail to confuse the dogs.
"Mr. J should avoid logic since we aren't interested. Anyway, he has
warts on his nose."
Ad Hominem ( attack on the man) - Attack the person not the arguments. "Don't
listen to Darrell. He is typical dumb jock." "Clinton was a poor
President. Look at all the womanizing he did."
Oversimplification - a generalization ignoring the complexity of the situation
or person. "Retrisha rushed from the room because she couldn't stand
Jimmy."
Begging the Question - asking the audience to accept a conclusion before it
is proved. "Mr. J will not give us homework because he is a nice man,
a good man."
Non Sequitur - ("it does not follow") - an illogical or erroneous
conclusion. "We have only a minute left in class, so we can't do any
thing any way. We'll pack up."
{Message}
