Definition of the Fallacy of Composition Let’s begin with a straightforward idea: just because something is true for one part, that doesn’t mean it’s true for the whole. This thinking error is called the fallacy of composition. Imagine you’re looking at a leaf on a tree. The leaf is green, so you might think, “All trees are green.” But wait! What about trees with red, yello... »
Definition of the Fallacy of Ambiguity Think of the fallacy of ambiguity as a mix-up that happens when something isn’t explained well enough. It occurs when a word, phrase, or statement has more than one meaning, and it’s not clear which one is being used. Take the word “light,” which can mean not heavy or not dark. If someone says “light can pass through this curtain... »
Definition The fallacy of equivocation is a trick in arguing where a word changes its meaning in the middle of the conversation. Imagine driving to a place where the road signs keep pointing in different directions for the same location; it’d be tough to get where you want to go, wouldn’t it? That’s what it’s like when someone uses the same word in different ways in an argu... »
Definition of Argument Ad Baculum Argument ad baculum is when someone tries to win an argument by scaring you into agreeing with them. This tactic involves threats or warnings of negative consequences if you don’t accept their point of view. It’s like if your friend says you must like the same movie as they do, or they will no longer hang out with you. Even though you might not actuall... »
Definition of Appeal to Tradition Fallacy An appeal to tradition fallacy is a mistake in thinking that happens when someone says that a certain way of doing things is the best way simply because it’s the way it has been done for ages. It’s like insisting that something is good just because it’s old. For instance, if a community believes that a certain dance must be performed duri... »
Definition of the Appeal to Pity Fallacy An appeal to pity fallacy happens when someone wants to convince another person of something, not by giving strong reasons, but by making them feel sad or sorry. Imagine a friend who, instead of explaining why they deserve a bigger slice of cake, tells you a story about how they had a bad day. They’re trying to win your support with sadness instead of logic... »
Definition of the Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy Imagine someone tells you there’s an invisible person in the room. You look around, see no one, and say you don’t believe it because there’s no evidence. But then you’re told, “You can’t see them, so you can’t prove they’re not there.” This sort of reasoning is what we call the appeal to ignorance f... »
Definition of the Appeal to Fear Fallacy An appeal to fear fallacy happens when someone tries to frighten you into agreeing with them, instead of giving good reasons for why you should believe something is true or right. Imagine a friend telling you that if you don’t wear a certain type of shoe, you’ll be laughed at by everyone at school. They are not telling you the shoes are good because t... »
Definitions of Appeal to Emotion An appeal to emotion is when someone tries to get you to agree with them by making you feel a certain way, rather than using real reasons or evidence. It’s like when a friend tells you a sad story about their pet to get you to agree to watch it over the weekend, even though you may not have the time. Another way to understand appeal to emotion is to think of ... »
Definition of Affective Fallacy In simple terms, affective fallacy is when you decide something is good or bad based on how it makes you feel, not on real facts or solid reasons. For example, just because you feel happy when you eat ice cream doesn’t mean it’s good for your health. To look at this fallacy in another way, it’s like thinking a book is the best one ever just because... »