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Definition
| the conclusion is based on far too little evidence |
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Term
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Definition
| this argument rests on an origin, historical tradition, or sacred practice. “We’ve always done it this way; therefore, this is the best way.” |
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Definition
| Incomplete knowledge does not mean a claim is true or not. “We cannot use radio beams to signal extraterrestrials, because we don’t know what language they speak.” |
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Term
| Appeal to popular opinion (Bandwagon fallacy) - |
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Definition
| If others support it, you should too. “Eat chicken; 10,000 coyotes can’t be wrong.” No probative value is given. |
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Definition
| Citing someone who is popular but not an expert as the basis for accepting a claim. “Madonna claims that NNRTI’s are the best way to treat AIDS.” |
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| primitive kind of casual argument because it is based on the sequence of events in time. “I slept near a draft last night and woke up with a cold.” |
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Definition
| Circular reasoning where nothing new gets said. “Abortion is murder because it is taking the life of the unborn.” |
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Term
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Definition
| A word may have more than one meaning or a phrase may be misleading. “Dog for sale: Eats anything and is fond of children.” |
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Term
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Definition
| Value terms and other abstract concepts are open to special or skewed definitions that are unique to the person or group offering them. “Real men don’t wear cologne.” Definition sets up a particular point of view that is arbitrary and capricious. |
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Term
| Name-Calling (ad hominem) – |
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Definition
| involves attacking the person, rather than the argument. “That argument would make more sense if you didn’t have false teeth Jack!” |
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