Logical Fallacies


A logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning that can undermine the validity of an argument. These errors in logic can be intentional or unintentional and often result in unsound or persuasive conclusions. There are two main types of logical fallacies: formal and informal. Formal fallacies, also known as deductive fallacies, are mistakes in the logical structure of an argument. Informal fallacies are found in inductive arguments, on the other hand, stem from errors in reasoning that involve the content or context of the argument rather than its form.

Identifying logical fallacies can prove challenging due to their ability to disguise themselves within seemingly reasonable arguments which, upon further inspection, expose hidden flaws. In order to steer clear of succumbing to logical fallacies, one must cultivate a keen sense of critical thinking and a firm grasp of the fundamentals of logic and argumentation. Recognizing these fallacies is crucial for critical thinking and rational discourse, as they can be used to mislead or distract from the truth. To avoid them, one must be vigilant and well-versed in the principles of logical argumentation. Broadly there are two kinds of fallacies, formal and informal.

Formal Logical Fallacies:

Formal fallacies are errors in reasoning that occur when the structure of an argument is flawed, leading to invalid or unsound conclusions. This type of fallacy is strictly related to the form of the argument rather than its content. These fallacies often involve mistakes in deductive reasoning, where the premises do not logically support the conclusion.

1. Fallacy of Improper Quantification
2. Bad Reason Fallacy
3. Propositional Fallacy
4. Syllogistic Fallacy
5. Sunk cost Fallacy

Informal Logical Fallacies:

Informal fallacies are errors in reasoning that occur in everyday language and are not strictly related to the logical structure of arguments. They often arise in inductive reasoning, which is a method of reasoning in which the premises seek to supply strong evidence for (not absolute proof of) the truth of the conclusion. While inductive reasoning is not inherently fallacious, informal fallacies can weaken inductive arguments. 

Informal fallacies are errors in reasoning that occur in arguments due to faulty logic or misleading tactics. These fallacies are prevalent in everyday discourse and can be persuasive to the unwary, as they often appear to be sound arguments. Understanding and identifying these fallacies is crucial for critical thinking and logical reasoning.

1. Personal attack 
2. Ambiguity 
3. Personal experience 
4. Appeal to authority fallacy 
5. Appeal to emotions fallacy 
6. Naturalistic fallacy
7. The horse laugh 
8. Appeal to tradition 
9. Argument from repetition 
10. Appeal to the majority 
11. Circular reasoning 
12. Burden of proof 
13. Continuum fallacy 
14. Etymological 
15. Fallacy of composition 
16. Fallacy of division 
17. Quoting out of context 
18. Causal fallacy 
19. Falese attribution 
20. Either-or 
21. Suppressed evidence 
22. Fallacy of maturity of chances 
23. Fallacy of origins 
24. Irrelevant conclusion 
25. Faulty comparison 
26. Inflation of conflict 
27. Incoherent argumentation 
28. Fallacy of presupposition 
29. Fallacy of the mean 
30. Appeal to purity 
31. Argument from incredulity 
32. Proof of intimidation 
33. Overgeneralization 
34. Concretism 
35. Historical inevitability 
36. Gish gallop 
37. Snowball effect 
38. Double standards 
39. Scarecrow argument 
40. Clustering illusion 
41. Appeal to hypocrisy

Logical fallacies are those sneaky little tricks our brains play on us that can derail sound reasoning. They're like the gremlins of logical thinking, popping up when we least expect it and leading us astray. From Scarecrow arguments to Personal attacks, these fallacies can make even the most well-thought-out arguments crumble like a house of cards. So next time you're engaging in a debate or trying to make a point, keep an eye out for these slippery logic fallacies, because they have a way of creeping in when we least expect them. Remember, just because something sounds convincing doesn't mean it's actually true - always be on the lookout for faulty reasoning!

Conclusion:

Mistakes in the structure of an argument are categorized as formal fallacies, while informal fallacies result from inaccuracies in the content, context, or delivery.

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can subtly undermine the validity of an argument. They are often used to deceive or manipulate audiences into accepting faulty or weak conclusions. Understanding logical fallacies is essential for critical thinking and effective communication.

We will discuss each Formal and Informal Fallacy separately in coming posts.

Points to Ponder:

Education system is designed as to win arguments. With few exceptions, logical fallacies are part of all verbal and written discourse. 

Self-assess yourself, do you or people whom you support, overly use fallacious arguments?






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