AP Lang Logical Fallacies
assuming there are only two options when there are many
Either/Or (False Dichotomy)
drawing a conclusion when there is no sufficient evidence
Hasty Generalizations
Millions of Americans own cars so let's end funding to public transportation.
Non-Sequitir
conclusion is drawn where there is no logical connection at all
Non-Sequitur
After Sally presented, Sam asked the audience whether we should believe anything from a woman who isn't married, was once arrested, and smells weird.
Ad Hominem
attack the opponent's character or personal traits in attempt to undermine their argument
Ad Hominem
"Organic Ancient Grains"
Appeal to Tradition
Acupuncture has been used for centuries.
Appeal to Tradition
If I don't go to the party, I will die.
Either/Or
Unless colleges continue to offer need-based scholarships, no one who is poor will ever be able to attend.
Either/Or
Your hands are only as clean as the towel used to dry them.
Either/Or
If the speed limit goes up, more people will die on the roads.
Hasty Generalization
shows lack of evidence
Hasty Generalization
"We should clean out the closets" "Why, we went through them last year, we don't have to clean them out everyday."
Straw Man
Senator Smith wants to cut funding for the new Air Force fighter jet because he says it's wasteful spending. Why does the Senator want to leave our country defenseless?
Straw Man
when a person simply ignores a person's actual position and substitutes a distorted exaggerated or misrepresented version of that position
Straw Man
What is a logical fallacy?
an error in reasoning
the idea being that because something is old or we've been doing it forever it must be accurate or based on evidence
appeal to tradition
Everyone is going to Christmas Formal this year.
bandwagon
Justin Bieber is proactive.
bandwagon
urging the audience to accepted a position because a majority of people hold that opinion
bandwagon