15 Logical fallacies
Begging the Question (circular logic) - Answer The writer presents an arguable point as
a fact that supports the argument
Ex-These movies are popular because they make so much money. They make a lot of
money because people like them. People like them because they are so popular
Non sequitur - Answer The conclusion doesn't logically follow the explanation
Ex-The rain came down so hard that Jennifer actually called me
Post Hoc (Ergo Propter Hoc) - Answer Writer assumes that because one event follows
another in time that the first event caused the second.
Ex-Eating five candy bars and drinking two sodas before a test helps me get better
grades. I did that and got an A on my last test in history
Faulty Analogies - Answer Writer uses similar situations to explain a relationship but the
comparisons/metaphors relate ideas or situations that upon closer inspection aren't
really that similar.
Ex-Forcing students to attend cultural events is like herding cattle to slaughter. The
students stampede in to the event where they are systematically 'put to sleep' by the
program
Hasty Generalizations - Answer An argument based on insufficient evidence; one
looking only at a small group as representative of the whole.
Ex-Concluding that all fraternities are party houses because you have seen three
parties at one fraternity
Red Herrings - Answer Little relevance is given to the argument at hand.
Ex-Winthrop should pave the lot behind Dinkins. Besides, I can never find a parking
space on campus anyway.
Begging the Question (circular logic) - Answer The writer presents an arguable point as
a fact that supports the argument
Ex-These movies are popular because they make so much money. They make a lot of
money because people like them. People like them because they are so popular
Non sequitur - Answer The conclusion doesn't logically follow the explanation
Ex-The rain came down so hard that Jennifer actually called me
Post Hoc (Ergo Propter Hoc) - Answer Writer assumes that because one event follows
another in time that the first event caused the second.
Ex-Eating five candy bars and drinking two sodas before a test helps me get better
grades. I did that and got an A on my last test in history
Faulty Analogies - Answer Writer uses similar situations to explain a relationship but the
comparisons/metaphors relate ideas or situations that upon closer inspection aren't
really that similar.
Ex-Forcing students to attend cultural events is like herding cattle to slaughter. The
students stampede in to the event where they are systematically 'put to sleep' by the
program
Hasty Generalizations - Answer An argument based on insufficient evidence; one
looking only at a small group as representative of the whole.
Ex-Concluding that all fraternities are party houses because you have seen three
parties at one fraternity
Red Herrings - Answer Little relevance is given to the argument at hand.
Ex-Winthrop should pave the lot behind Dinkins. Besides, I can never find a parking
space on campus anyway.
