MAT 113-Chapter 1
Simpson's Paradox
Combining or aggregating data masks underlying patterns or when a factor distorts the overall picture, but distortion goes away when underlying data are examined
Circular Reasoning or Begging the Question
Conclusion is really a restatement of the premise
Informal fallacy
Fallacy that arises from the content of an argument, not from its form or structure. Its incorrect because of "what is said, not how it is said"
Formal fallacy
Fallacy that arises from the form or structure of an argument. It is independent of the content of the argument
Inverse
If not P, then not Q
Contrapositive
If not Q, then not P
Valid
if the premises justify the conclusion
False Cause
A causal relationship is concluded based on the fact that two events occur together or that one event follows the other
Disjunction
"Or" statement
Conjunction
"and" statement
Double negative
(not not P)
Logical Argument
1 or more premises or hypotheses and a conclusion
False Dilemma
A conclusion is based on an incomplete or inaccurate list of consequences or alternatives
Hasty Generalization
A conclusion is drawn based on a few examples that may be atypical
Straw Man
A position or point of view is dismissed based on the rejection of a distorted or different position
Appeal to ignorance
A statement is either accepted or rejected because of a lack of proof
Appeal to Common Practice
An argument for a practice is based on the popularity of that practice
Fallacy
An incorrect argument that may often seem correct
Dismissal Based on Personal Atack
Argument is dismissed based on an attack on the person offering the argument rather than on the merits of the argument
Inductive Argument
Draws a conclusion based on specific examples. Specific to General
Deductive Argument
Draws a conclusion from the premises based on logic. General to Specific
Original Conditional
If P, then Q
Converse
If Q, then P
Negation of statement
The assertion that means the opposite of the statement and has the opposite truth value
False Authority
The validity of a claim is accepted based in an authority whose expertise is irrelevant
Logic
the study of methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning
