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