LOGICAL FALLACIES

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc “After this, therefore because of this.”

Card Stacking Using only the evidence that supports a thesis and ignoring evidence that contradicts or weakens it.

Slanting Variation of card stacking Using words whose connotations suggest extreme approval or disapproval

Hasty Generalization To draw a conclusion about a group based on insufficient evidence.

Overgeneralization Regardless of the evidence, one assumes that all members of a group, nationality, race, or sex have the characteristics observed in some members of that group. Look for words such as all, never, always, every, true, untrue

Non Sequitur “It does not follow.” A conclusion that does not follow from the premises. No connection between the premise and the conclusion

Ignoring the Question A speaker intentionally or unintentionally shifts emphasis from the topic under discussion. A question can be ignored in several ways:

Ignoring the Question Ad Hominem – making an irrelevant attack on a person rather that dealing with the issue. Straw Man Argument – attributing to the opposition actions or beliefs of which the opposition is not guilty and then attacking the opposition for those actions or beliefs

Ignoring the Question Begging the Question Assuming something that really needs to be proved. Shifting the burden of proof Circular Argument – restating the premise instead of giving a reason for holding the premise

Either/Or suggesting there are only two alternatives when, in fact, there may be more.