Fallacies Cheat Sheet

ad hominem:
logical fallacy in which the writer attacks the person who presents the issue rather than deal
logically with the issue itself.

bandwagon:
logical fallacy in which the writer uses the argument that because everyone believes in
something, it must be true.

begging the question:

logical fallacy in which the writer presents an assertion that simply restates the point just made
("Exposure to asbestos is carcinogenic because it causes cancer").
either-or fallacy:
logical fallacy in which the writer states that only two alternatives exist when in fact there are
more than two.
equivocation:
logical fallacy in which the writer presents an assertion that falsely relies on the use of a single
term in two different senses ("Their position on nuclear power is right-as far right as you can
get").
ethos:
the Greek word for "character." In argumentation, this term refers to an appeal to character or
credibility. For example, a scientist arguing for the use of dogs in medical experiments might
inform the audience that he or she loves dogs and is, in fact, a dog owner. In doing so, the
scientist seeks to increase his or her standing or credibility with the audience, particularly those
who are dog lovers.

false analogy:
logical fallacy in which the writer uses the assumption that because two things are alike in some
respects, they are alike in all respects.
false authority:
logical fallacy in which the writer uses the assumption that an expert in one field is also an expert
in another.
false cause:
logical fallacy in which the writer makes the assumption that because one event follows another,
the first is the cause of the second.
guilt by association:
logical fallacy in which the writer uses an unfair attempt to make someone responsible for the
beliefs or actions of others.
hasty generalization:
logical fallacy in which the writer uses a generalization based on too little evidence or on
exceptional or biased evidence.
To test the solar mirrors for hailstone damage, the scientist hurled stones at the mirrors. The
stones traveled at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour.
non sequitur:
logical fallacy in which the writer uses a statement that does not follow logically from what has
just been said--in other words, a conclusion that does not follow from the premises.
oversimplification:

logical fallacy in which the writer uses a statement or argument that leaves out relevant
considerations about an issue.

pathos:
the Greek word for "emotion." In argumentation, this term refers to an appeal by the writer to the
emotions of the audience. For example, someone arguing against medical experiments being
performed on dogs might describe the suffering that the animal experiences during an
experiment. This description would be pathos.
red herring:
logical fallacy in which the writer dodges the real issue by drawing attention to an irrelevant
issue (sometimes called "ignoring the question").
slippery slope:
logical fallacy in which the writer makes the assumption that if one thing is allowed, it will be
the first step in a downward spiral.