20 cards3 cards free to preview

Logical Fallacies - Errors in Reasoning

Name: Logical Fallacies - Errors in Reasoning
Author: Logic & Critical Thinking

Master the art of critical thinking by recognizing flawed arguments • 20 essential fallacies used in debates, media, and everyday reasoning

Based on Logical Fallacies by Logic & Critical Thinking

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

'You can't trust his climate research—he drives an SUV!' The person's hypocrisy or character flaws don't make their argument wrong. You're attacking the messenger to avoid engaging with the message.

This fallacy derails debates by shifting focus from ideas to personalities. Instead of evaluating evidence, we dismiss arguments because we don't like who's making them.

Politicians use this constantly: 'My opponent is corrupt, therefore their tax policy is wrong.' But corruption and tax policy are separate issues. Address the policy, not the person.

To counter: Separate the argument from the arguer. Even terrible people can make valid points. Even saints can be wrong. Judge ideas on merit.

Logical Fallacies

#02

Misrepresentation

Fight a fake version

Straw Man

Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack, then refuting the distorted version instead of the actual argument.

'You want to reform police? So you want total anarchy with no law enforcement?' No one said eliminate police—they said reform. But the straw man version is easier to defeat.

This fallacy works by creating a caricature of the opponent's position, attacking that weak version, then claiming victory. It's dishonest but effective if unnoticed.

Media loves this: 'Environmentalists want us to live in caves!' No—they want sustainable energy. But the extreme version is easier to mock.

Combat by demanding: 'Can you state my actual position?' Force them to engage with your real argument, not their distorted version.

Logical Fallacies

#03

False Choice

Only two options

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two options when more exist, forcing a choice between extremes while ignoring middle ground or alternatives.

'You're either with us or against us.' 'Either we ban it completely or allow total chaos.' False dichotomies eliminate nuance and force artificial choices.

Reality is rarely binary. Most issues have multiple viable positions, but false dichotomies make compromise seem impossible. It's a powerful manipulation technique.

Politicians love this: 'We can either cut education or raise taxes.' What about cutting waste? Reallocating funds? Growing the economy? Those options mysteriously disappear.

When someone presents two options, ask: 'Are these really the only choices?' Usually, they're not.

Logical Fallacies

#04

Chain Reaction

One step to doom

Slippery Slope

Arguing that one step will inevitably lead to a chain of events resulting in an extreme outcome, without evidence for the chain.

'If we allow gay marriage, next people will marry their dogs!' This assumes an inevitable chain without evidence. One policy doesn't guarantee the next.

The fallacy exaggerates consequences to create fear. It jumps from A to Z without proving B, C, D exist. 'Legalize marijuana and everyone will become heroin addicts!'

Sometimes slopes ARE slippery—precedents matter. But you need evidence for each link in the chain. Don't accept 'this will inevitably lead to that' without proof.

Ask: 'What's the actual evidence that step 1 leads to step 2? And step 2 to step 3?' Demand proof for each domino.

In this deck

The first 3 cards are free. The rest unlock with a subscription.

Ready to read?

The viewer is built for one card at a time — swipe, flip, save the ones that hit, share what you like.

Open the viewer

Logical Fallacies - Errors in Reasoning

Ad Hominem

Straw Man

False Dichotomy

Slippery Slope

In this deck

Ad Hominem

Straw Man

False Dichotomy

Slippery Slope

Circular Reasoning

Hasty Generalization

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

Red Herring

Appeal to Emotion

Bandwagon Fallacy

No True Scotsman

Tu Quoque

Appeal to Nature

Genetic Fallacy

False Equivalence

Middle Ground Fallacy

Burden of Proof

Appeal to Ignorance

Loaded Question

Texas Sharpshooter

Ready to read?