Term
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Definition
Errors in
reasoning. Fallacies
can be seen as
(1) reasons that seem
logical but don’t
necessarily support
the conclusion or
(2) statements that
distract listeners from
the real issue. |
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Term
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Definition
Comparison
of one situation or idea
to another that disregards
significant differences that
make the comparison invalid. |
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Term
False cause (post hoc ergo propter
hoc) |
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Definition
A fallacy that
occurs when there is no real
proof that one event caused
another event; there is only
evidence that one event came
after another event. |
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Term
|
Definition
A relationship
or connection between two
objects or events. Noting
a correlation is sometimes
the first step in exploring
causation, but it does not
equal causation. |
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Term
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Definition
A connection
between two events in which
it is established that one event
caused the other. |
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Term
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Definition
A fallacy
that occurs when serious
consequences of a potential
action or policy are predicted
and not substantiated by
evidence. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy in
which an opponent’s argument
is distorted or exaggerated and
then more easily attacked. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy
in which a generalization
is drawn from a small and
thus inadequate sample of
information. |
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Term
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Definition
A process whereby an
expectation becomes a reality. |
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Term
| False dilemma (either-or-fallacy) |
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Definition
An error in reasoning that
occurs when one polarizes
a situation by presenting
only two alternatives, at two
extremes of the spectrum of
possibilities. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy that occurs when
a speaker or writer assumes
what needs to be proven. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy in
which reasons offered to
support conclusions lead the
listener away from the issue
under consideration. |
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Term
| Ad hominem (attacking the person) |
|
Definition
A Latin
term meaning “to the man”
or attacking the person.
Ad hominem occurs when
a person is attacked on
a personal quality that is
irrelevant to the issue under
discussion. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy that is used to
excuse bad behavior on the
grounds of other bad behavior;
the fallacy occurs when
someone rationalizes that one
person’s or one group’s action
is justified because some other
person’s or group’s action is
just as bad or worse. |
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Term
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Definition
A fallacy that is committed
when someone denies a claim
because they believe the
speaker who is making the
claim is hypocritical. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy that
consists of a false appeal to
the authority of “everyone.”
This fallacy is based on the
assumption that a course of
action should be taken or
an idea should be supported
because “everyone” is doing it
or believes it. |
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Term
|
Definition
A fallacy that occurs
when a belief or action is
supported on the ground
that it conforms to traditional
ideas or practices. |
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Term
|
Definition
A logical
fallacy that occurs when
someone argues that others
should follow a course of
action or hold a certain belief
for no other reason than that
they should feel compassion
for the irrelevant claims or
irresponsibility of the speaker. |
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