6 common logical fallacies

In this type of argument, the writer opposes the point made by attacking the person who makes them

Instead of discussing the issue, the writer calls the opponent names

Example What do you know?! You’re just a no-name, balding lawyer from the boonies.

Two events that happen sequentily are causally related

This argument blame the cause

Faulty cause and effect is also called ______, __________ (after this, therefore because of this)

"After this"

"Therefore because of this"

Example The school shooter was playing video games during the days before he committed the crime. Because he was playing video games before the incident, it is obvious that the blame for his actions should fall on video games.

This type of reasoning provides the reader with two options that do not recognize complexity

Often, those who use this in an argument oversimplify the problem and only provide two solutions or reasons for a problem

Example You claim to love the Philippines but you’re always criticizing the government. That means you must hate the Philippines!

This is the generalization or conclusion drawn based on little evidence or a piece of evidence that is not representative of the whole

Example I was very unhealthy when I was fat. After I became a lot thinner, I also became healthier. Therefore, being thin means you are healthy.

To compare an issue, event, person, or object to another can be useful, but the comparison can confuse or mislead the audience, too.

There may be more differences than similarities between the two ideas being compared, and one reason may apply to one but not the other

Example People who need to drink coffee every morning to function are no different from drug addicts who need their fix every day.

It states the very thesis as its proof

Too often, the supporting details are merely rephrasing the statement

Example Citizens who live below the poverty line are desperate to carve a better future for themselves because they do not wish to be poor.