This document defines and provides examples of common logical fallacies used to invalidate arguments. It discusses fallacies such as ad hominem where one attacks the person instead of the issue, begging the question by assuming the conclusion as fact, false cause where an unrelated cause is cited to explain an event, and slippery slope implying one small step leads to catastrophe. Other fallacies presented include false analogy, oversimplification, rationalization, red herring, two wrongs make a right, hasty generalization, and straw man.

1. Logical Fallacies
Errors in
reasoning that
invalidate the
argument

2. Ad Hominem – “Argument against
the man”
• Unfairly attacking a person instead of the
issue
• Attacking the character and/or reputation
of a position’s supporters; “Guilt by
association”
•Example: We cannot listen to John’s opinion
on global warming because he is a tree hugger.

3. Begging the Question
• The opinion to be proved is given as if it
were already proved.
• Example:
Global warming doesn’t exist because the
earth is not getting warmer.

4. False Cause (Cause and Effect)
• Citing a false or remote cause to explain a
situation
• Example:
The increase in global warming in the past
decade is because more teenagers are
using hairspray.

5. Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
(False Cause)
• “After this, therefore because of this”
• Assuming that because two things
happened, the first one caused the
second one
• Example:
Every time my brother Bill uses hairspray,
it is an extremely hot day.

6. Either or Fallacy
• Discussing an issue as if there are only
two alternatives
• This fallacy ignores any other possible
alternatives
• Example:
We either ban hairspray or the world will
end.

7. Evasion
• Ignoring or evading the questions
• Example:
Reporter: “Senator, what is your view on
global warming?
Senator: “Global warming is definitely
something we need to look into.”

8. False Analogy
• Making a comparison between two
subjects that have more dissimilarities
than similarities.
• Example:
Using hairspray everyday is like launching
a nuclear weapon.

9. Oversimplification
• Making a complicated issue seem very
simple by using simple terms or
suppressing information
• Example:
Global warming is caused by using
hairspray and other beauty products.

10. Rationalization
• Giving incorrect reasons to justify your
position
• Example:
I don’t believe in global warming because I
like using hairspray.

11. Red Herring
• Presenting an argument unrelated to your
subject in order to distract the reader
• Example:
In order to really look at the problem of
global warming, we must first consider
how the homeless suffer when it is cold.

12. Slippery Slope
• Implying that one small step in the wrong
direction will cause catastrophic results
• Example:
If we use just one more can of hairspray
this month, earth as we know it will no
longer exist.

13. Two wrongs make a right
• Defending something done wrong by citing
another incident of wrong doing
• Example
American does not need to regulate
pollution because China is producing
more pollution than we are.

14. Hasty Generalization
• An inference drawn from insufficient
evidence
• It is warmer this year in Las Vegas as
compared to last year; therefore, global
warming is rapidly accelerating.

15. Straw Man
• An argument in which an opponent’s
position is represented as being more
extreme than it actually is
• Al Gore feels that all companies are
irresponsible and should be punished for
allowing emissions which causes global
warming.

16. Equivocation
• Juvenile tricks of language
• If there really is global warming, how come
it is cooler in Fullerton this year?

17. Non Sequitur
• “It does not follow”
• Argument in which claims, reasons, or
warrants fail to connect logically.
• Example
We should stop using hairspray because it
is snowing in New York.