Fallacies

Definition

A fallacy is “a mistaken belief, esp. one based on unsound argument”
â€¢ Logic: a failure in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.
â€¢ faulty reasoning; misleading or unsound argument: the potential for fallacy which lies behind the notion of self-esteem.

Argumentum ad antiquitatem

AKA argument from/appeal to oldness, argument from/appeal to age, argument from/appeal to tradition

The argumentum ad antiquitam fallacy is based on the false premise that something old is better, purely by virtue of being older or more established.

Wikipedia entry on argumentum ad antiquitam

Argumentum ad novitatem

AKA argument from/appeal to newness, argument from/appeal to novelty

The argumentum ad novitatem fallacy is based on the false premise that something new is better, purely by virtue of being newer or novel.

Wikipedia entry on argumentum ad novitatem fallacy

Argumentum ad verecundiam

AKA appeal to/from (false) authority, appeal to/from respect, ipse dixit

The argumentum ad verecundiam fallacy is based on the false premise that the person cited is some kind of authority on the subject at hand, whereas they are, in fact, no authority at all.

Wikipedia entry on argumentum ad verecundiam fallacy

Argumentum ad hominem

AKA ad hominem, (argument) to/against the person, personal attack

The argumentum ad hominem fallacy consists of replying to an argument by attacking or appealing to the person making the argument, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument, often by calling into question their background, qualifications or experience.

Wikipedia entry on argumentum ad hominem

“Everybody knows”

AKA every schoolboy knows, sweeping generalisation, faulty generalisation, dicto simpliciter, universal rule, maxim without qualification, stereotyping

The everybody knows fallacy is used to make an assumption that a premise is taken as a given, and that there are no justified and acceptable exceptions.

Wikipedia entry on “everybody knows” fallacy

Strawman

AKA straw dog fallacy, scarecrow argument

The strawman fallacy is a misrepresentation of an opponent’s position, i.e. to create a position that’s easy to refute, and attribute the position to the opponent.

Wikipedia entry on the strawman fallacy

Red herring

AKA ignoratio elenchi, irrelevant conclusion, ignoring the issues, ignorance of refutation

The red herring fallacy is where an argument is made using irrelevant terms that don’t have any bearing on the point being argued.

Wikipedia entry on the red herring fallacy

Cherry picking

AKA biased sample

The cherry picking fallacy is committen when deliberately picking out the data or information that support your view, while ignoring the information that oppose your view.

Wikipedia entry on cherry picking

Tu quoque

AKA you too, you also, “no, you are”, two wrongs make a right

The tu quoque fallacy, a specialised form of the ad hominem and a kind of red herring, is to attempt to defend oneself from criticism by turning the critique back against the accuser.

Wikipedia entry on tu quoque