Fallacious Reasoning

False Causality (Definition)

A false causality occurs when one thing is assumed to cause something else; however, the conclusion arrived at is false in nature.

Overgeneralization (Example)

Big cities tend to have a lot of crime. Some people who live in cities have experienced or witnessed a crime at some point in their lives. People should think carefully before moving to a big city. Most likely, they will be victims of a horrible crime. Do you see how the author moves from making a generalization?

Circular Reasoning (Explanation)

Circular reasoning is an attempt to support a statement by simply repeating the statement in different or stronger terms. In this fallacy, the reason given is nothing more than a restatement of the conclusion that poses as the reason for the conclusion.

Circular Reasoning (Example 3)

Dogs make great pets. You should get a dog. You will think they are wonderful. Again, the writer doesn't list any reasons why dogs make great pets. Instead, she simply calls them wonderful.

Circular Reasoning (Example 2)

I love going to the mall with my friends because the mall is a great place to go. Here, no reason is given why the writer likes going to the mall. Instead, she repeats the same thing over again.

Oversimplification (Example 2)

If you are having a hard time figuring out what career to chose, read Stephanie Swallows new book called Finding Your Dream Job. Within a few hours, you'll know exactly what job is right for you. Within weeks, you'll be on the road to making money at that job. This example also shows how oversimplification causes one to arrive at a false conclusion. Finding a career path involves much more than just reading one book!

Self-Contradiction (Definition)

In order to spot a contradiction, look at the assertions the writer makes. A self-contradiction will stand out because a writer will say one thing, and then say something almost the opposite of what was just said.

Oversimplification (Definition)

In some ways, oversimplification is almost the opposite of an overgeneralization. Instead of one making a grand or inflated statement, one comes to a faulty conclusion by making it too simple.

Overgeneralization (Definition)

It can be easy to overgeneralize. Let's say, for example, that you see a crying baby in a store. The parents try to lessen the baby's cries, but it only makes the child cry harder. You get annoyed at the crying and think, "All babies do is cry."

Circular Reasoning (Explanation 2)

Often, we feel we can trust another person so much that we often accept his claims without testing the logic. This is called blind trust, and it is very dangerous. We might as well just talk in circles.

Self-Contradiction (Explanation)

Remember, self-contradiction is different from an author showing two opposing viewpoints. The difference between the two is that in self-contradiction, the author asserts that BOTH aspects of the argument are true.

Self-Contradiction (Example 1)

Supermarkets are great places to buy fresh, local produce. The cost of produce has recently risen at most local markets, making it unaffordable to many families.

Circular Reasoning (Definition)

Supporting a premise with the premise, rather than a conclusion.

Self-Contradiction (Example 2)

The Welcome Center is open to all people. Although we encourage and celebrate diversity, we ask that you refrain from sharing your political or cultural views while you are on the premises.

False Causality (Example 1)

The dogs yelped for attention. After they were petted, they fell asleep. Their owner realized that petting the dogs made them tired. Statistically, there is no known correlation between petting an animal and the animal falling asleep. This is a false causality made by the dog's owner.

Oversimplification (Example 1)

The energy crisis the United States is facing comes down to one thing: the way in which farmers are choosing to grow their crops. If farmers made better choices, we wouldn't be having this problem. Obviously, an energy crisis involves many different components. It is too simple to say that an energy crisis rests on one isolated component.

False Causality (Example 2)

Tina got an A on her homework assignment. She had not worked hard on it. The energy drink she had while working on it must have given her sharper brain power. Does drinking an energy drink cause one to get an A on a homework assignment? Of course not! This is another example of false causality.

Circular Reasoning (Example 1)

To say, "You should exercise because it's good for you" is really saying, "You should exercise because you should exercise."