Logical Fallacy and Satire

Begging the Question

A complicated fallacy; an argument that begs the question asks the reader to simply accept the conclusion without providing real evidence by saying the same point in different words.

Situational Irony

A contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

A faulty assumption that the cause of a relationship is the result of what preceded it. Also known as Faulty Causality.

Understatement

A form of Irony that creates emphasis by saying less than what is true or appropriate.

Non Sequitur

A gap in the sequence of your logic. Usually what happened is that the writer leaped from A to B and then jumped to D, leaving out step C of an argument he/ she thought through in her head, but did not put down on paper.

Ad Misericordiam

An emotional appeal in which the goal is to create outrage based on something hyperbolic or irrelevant.

Stacking the Deck

Any evidence that supports an opposing argument is rejected, omitted, or ignored.

Poisoning the Well

Attacking an argument by attacking the opponent (discrediting them) before they can present their argument.

Appeal to Tradition

Because something has always been done a particular way, it should continue to be done that way.

Equivocation

Equivocation is sliding between two or more different meanings of a single word or phrase that is important to the argument.

False Dichotomy

In false dichotomy, the arguer sets up the situation so it looks like there are only two choices. The arguer then eliminates one of the choices, so it seems that we are left with only one option: the one the arguer wanted us to pick in the first place.

Misunderstanding

Intentional misinterpretation or misunderstanding of in a conversation, situation, or circumstance

Hasty Generalization

Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or just too small).

Weak Analogy

Many arguments rely on an analogy between two or more objects, ideas, or situations. If the two things that are being compared aren't really alike in the relevant respects, the analogy is a weak one, and the argument that relies on it commits the fallacy of weak analogy.

Hypothesis Contrary to the Fact

Offering poorly supported claims about what might have happened in the past or future if (the hypothetical part) circumstances or conditions were different. The fallacy also entails treating future hypothetical situations as if they are fact.

Appeal to Authority

Often we add strength to our arguments by referring to respected sources or authorities and explaining their positions on the issues we're discussing.

Circular Reasoning

One statement is true because of the other statement, and the other statement is true because of the previous statement. A claim is supported by its reasoning; the argument begins where it ends. Often depicted as: X is true because of Y and Y is true because of X.

Straw Man

One way of making our own arguments stronger is to anticipate and respond in advance to the arguments that an opponent might make. The arguer sets up a wimpy, distorted, or misrepresented version of the opponent's position (counterargument) and tries to score points by knocking it down.

Red Herring

Partway through an argument, the arguer goes off on a tangent, raising a side issue that distracts the audience from what's really being discussed. Often, the arguer never returns to the original issue.

Absurdum

Taking something to an extreme to make a point

Appeal to Pity

The appeal to pity takes place when an arguer tries to get people to accept a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone - it includes the technique of pathos.

Slippery Slope

The arguer claims that some form of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequence, will take place, but there's really not enough evidence for that assumption.

Missing the Point

The premises of an argument support a particular conclusion--but not the conclusion that the arguer actually draws

Sarcasm

The use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say especially in order to insult someone, to show irritation, or to be funny.

Exaggeration

To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen.

Parody

To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing.

Reversal

To present the opposite of the normal order (the order of events, standard order of something obvious.)

Incongruity

To present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings

Verbal Irony

When a writer or character says one something but means the opposite.

Judgement

When character, intelligence, beliefs, decisions or preferences are questioned in a way that causes shame

Appeal to Ignorance

an appeal to ignorance lacks conclusive evidence (data, facts, statistics) about the issue being discussed. Therefore, the arguer states that one should accept his or her conclusion on the presented issue.

Understatement

diminishes statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Play/ Wit

mockery, imitation, and clever humor