The Flaws in Unit 2 - Critical Thinking

Ad hominem

A form of reasoning which criticises the arguer’s features so that the readers will dismiss his argument.

Slippery slope

Reasons from one possibility through a series of events that are not properly or logically linked. Extreme consequence.

Hasty generalisation

To draw a general conclusion from insufficient evidence. One reasoning or one example to general conclusion.

Sweeping generalisation

A stereotype. A generalisation which moves from some to many to all.

Tu quoque

This means ‘you too’

Two wrongs don’t make a right

A flaw that attempts to justify one harmful thing on the basis of another, different harmful thing which has been accepted.

Confusing causes and correlations – Post Hoc

Assuming that because A happened before B, A caused B.

Assuming that because A and B happened at the same time, A caused B or B caused A.

Circular argument

One of the reasons is the same as the conclusion and the argument does not lead anywhere.

Straw man

Misrepresents or distorts an opposing view in order to dismiss it.

Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions

A necessary condition is one that is needed for something to happen.

A sufficient condition guarantees that the next step must follow.

Arguing from one thing to another

Using a reason for one thing to support another conclusion

Conflation

Bringing two different concepts together and treating them like two similar situations. There will be confusion between the terms and conclusion might fail.

Restricting the options

A limiting picture of choices available in order to support an option