| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Fallacy | Statements that are logically false, but which appear to be true. Basically, an error in reasoning. |
| Ad Hominem | When the person presenting an argument is attacked instead of the argument itself (against the person). |
| Ad Hominem Example | *Person A: I think that the US will come out of this recession quickly. *Person B: What do you know about economics? You don't even have a job! |
| Appeal to Emotions | When something is associated with good/bad feelings, then it must be true/wrong (manipulates people's emotions) |
| Appeal to Emotions Example | A commercial comes on the TV asking for money to help remove animals from abusive homes and shows a slide show of cute kittens and puppies. |
| Bandwagon | Creates the impression that everybody is doing it and so should you |
| Bandwagon Example | "You're not cool unless you wear this brand of clothing" |
| False Dilemma | Either A or B is true. C is not an option. This is based on the assumption that the choices offered are the only choices. |
| False Dilemma Example | Either you are with me or against me. |
| Appeal to the People | Uses the views of the majority as a persuasive device (very similar to bandwagon). |
| Appeal to the People Example | "Of course you want to buy Zest toothpaste. Why, 90% of America brushes with Zest!" |
| Scare Tactic | Creates fear in people as evidence to support a claim. Mostly this is done by some form of threat. |
| Scare Tactic Example | "If you vote for this candidate, then your children's lives will be at stake!" |
| False Cause | Wrongly assumes a cause-and-effect relationship ('A' causes 'B' without proof that a relationship actually exists). |
| False Cause Example | Christians believe in God. Muslims believe in God. Therefore, Christians are Muslims. |
| Hasty Generalization | Draws a conclusion about a population based on a small sample (jumping to conclusions). |
| Hasty Generalization Example | I met some students from Fort Riley yesterday, who were very polite. I think all children from that area must be well-behaved. |
| Red Herring | Presents an irrelevant topic to divert attention away from the original issue. The logic follows this form: Topic A is under discussion. Topic B is introduced under the assumption that it's related. Topic A is abandoned. |
| Red Herring Example | *Person A: What about Christmas? *Person B: Well, my aunt is coming next week. |
| Traditional Wisdom | This occurs when it is assumed that something is better or correct simply because it is traditional or "has always been done" |
| Traditional Wisdom Example | The theory that witches and demons cause disease is far older than the theory that microrganisms cause diseases. Therefore, the theory about witches and demons must be true. |
| Glittering Generality | Uses attractive, but vague, words that embody ideals such as: freedom, fame, justice, respect. This technique seeks to evoke emotions without making any commitments. |
| Glittering Generality Example | "I am the new candidate for CHANGE." or "It's NEW" |
| Testimonial | A famous person endorses a product, ideal, or candidate. |
| Testimonial Example | When Oprah Winfrey mentions a book, it becomes a best seller. |
| Pitch Beast | Uses an animal to endorse a person, product, or idea. |
| Pitch Beast Example | When the Gieco Gecko is used in commercials to endorse the insurance company. |
Combine with other sets
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