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