Common Fallacies

A fallacy is an error in logic, a misleading or incorrect belief, and is the basis for an unsound argument. Rational debaters must try to avoid using fallacies in their arguments in order to adequately persuade their readers. Below are some common fallacies people accidentally use when debating issues. Click the fallacy name to see examples. Encountering a fallacy in an argument doesn't necessarily mean the argument is false; it just means that the point hasn't been argued correctly. Debaters should strive to avoid fallacies in order to present a strong argument in support of their position.

This page presents only a few fallacies that are most common in arguments. There are many resources available on the web if you'd like to learn more. Try searching Google for: common fallacies in arguments.

Ad Hominem Expand_plus

Attacking the person instead of the argument

Appeal to the Popular Expand_plus

Arguing that a certain position must be correct because the majority of people, in the speaker's opinion, agree to it.

Appeal to Tradition (Appeal to Common Practice) Expand_plus

Arguing that a position must be true because it has been done or believed for a long time.

Begging the Question (Circular Logic) Expand_plus

Assuming the argument you are trying to prove is true, or using your own argument as proof that the argument is correct.

Emotional Appeal (Appeal to Pity, Appeal to Fear) Expand_plus

Arguing that a conclusion must be true through an appeal to emotions such as pity, anger, or fear.

False Dichotomy (Either-Or, Oversimplification) Expand_plus

Simplifying the possible choices in an argument to two. Often one of the two is given favorable treatment, while the other choice is cast as a dangerous alternative.

Faulty Causality (Post hoc ergo propter hoc) Expand_plus

Usually translated as "after this, therefore because of this," arguing that a certain effect must be caused by an event simply due to their relationship in time.

Hasty Generalization Expand_plus

Drawing a conclusion from insufficient evidence.

Slippery Slope Expand_plus

Arguing that a tiny misstep or decision made now will cause tomorrow's disaster. Slippery slope arguments are similar to scare tactics in that the presented consequences are usually greatly exaggerated.