Identifying Logical Fallacies Flashcards

A writer claims: 'Ancient Greeks used olive oil as medicine, so it must be an effective remedy.' This appeals to:

Answer: Appeal to tradition

Appeal to tradition assumes a practice is valid or correct because it has historical precedent, which is not sufficient justification.

In an AWA argument, the author states: 'Our product is made from all-natural ingredients, so it is safe for consumption.' The fallacy present is:

Answer: Appeal to nature

The appeal to nature fallacy equates 'natural' with 'safe' or 'good,' ignoring that many natural substances are harmful.

An argument states: 'Senator X voted against the defense budget once; clearly she hates the military.' This distorts the senator's position, making it an example of:

Answer: Straw man

A straw man misrepresents an opponent's actual position to make it easier to attack.

Which scenario exemplifies the 'bandwagon' fallacy?

Answer: 'Millions of people believe this diet works, so it must be effective.'

The bandwagon fallacy (ad populum) argues something is true or good simply because many people believe or do it.

An author writes: 'You must be pro-war if you don't support peace negotiations.' This presents a:

Answer: False dichotomy

A false dichotomy (either/or fallacy) reduces a complex issue to two mutually exclusive options when other possibilities exist.

A logical fallacy where an arguer introduces an irrelevant point to distract from the main issue is called a:

Answer: Red herring

A red herring diverts the audience's attention away from the central issue with an unrelated tangent.

When an arguer responds to criticism by saying 'Well, you do the same thing,' this is called:

Answer: Tu quoque

Tu quoque ('you too') deflects criticism by pointing out the accuser's similar behavior, which does not address the original argument.