ethical fallacies
- Ad hominem (to the man): a character attack, insulting a person or cause instead of addressing the argument or issue. Example: political debates.
- Guilty association: attacking the company that a person keeps in an attempt to discredit them or render them “guilty.” Making assumptions about a person’s character based on outside influences. Example: Salem witch trials.
- Begging the question: a cyclical argument that is based on an assumption made by the writer. A statement made that depends on an assumption that hasn’t been proved yet. Example: 60 minutes claims that it is the best news show on television.
- Post hoc (doubtful cause): assuming that two events are related, that one is the cause for the other when it could just be coincidence. Example: Since the rooster crows and then the sun rises, the rooster causes the sunrise.
- Non sequitur (it does not follow): a fallacy of irrelevance. Two unrelated ideas are linked together. Example: Since Toho Production Company is still making Godzilla movies in the year 2000, Japan should host the Olympic games again in 2004.
- Either-Or (false dilemma): when an argument assumes that a complex situation can have only two possible outcomes. Example: Adrienne Rich’s essay claimed that a woman today could either be a victim or a token professional, nothing in between.
- Hasty generalization: utilizing stereotypes in an argument, making sweeping conclusions based on little evidence. Example: Understanding that Lori likes cats, all girls prefer feline pets to canine pets.
- Oversimplification: careless reasoning that doesn’t factor in all of the issues at hand. Example: The United States could easily balance its budget if it weren’t for exorbitant defense spending.
- Slippery Slope: an assumption that one step will inevitably lead to a second, usually undesirable step. A simplistic argument that makes an improbable prediction. Example: The Connecticut law allowing children to divorce their parents will mean the death of the family unit.
- Straw Man (diversion): a diversionary tactic to draw attention away from the argument. Example: When asked if he had sexual relations with Miss Lewinsky, the president stated that he was an honorable man.
- Bandwagon: everyone else is doing it! Example: McDonalds: 100 billion served.
- Flattery: sweet talk and persuasive language. Example: For discriminating tastes…
- In-crowd appeal: if you adopt certain behavior or beliefs, then you will be in the cool crowd. Example: GAP commercials, most clothing ads, Marine commercials, cigarette ads, etc.
- Veiled threat: adverse consequences will occur if this action is not taken, or if this argument is not believed. Example: Brita water filters protect you from harmful contaminants and chemicals.
- False analogy: assuming without sufficient proof that if two things are similar in some ways, they will be similar in other ways, as well. Example: Since human life has only existed for approximately 100,000 years, and many other species that have existed for even longer are now extinct, man will one day become extinct.
- Weasle words and qualifyers: see essay, “With These Words I Can Sell You Anything.” Words, phrases, and terms that are either meaningless or misleading. Example: New and Improved!
