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Examples of Fallacies

Fallacies are defined as mistakes in belief based on an unsound argument. There are many

different types of such mistakes that can occur.

Fallacies in Arguments

Here are some examples of fallacies you may encounter when making an argument:

Appeal to Ignorance - An appeal to ignorance occurs when one person uses anotherpersons lack of knowledge on a particular subject as evidence that their own

argument is correct.

For example: You cant prove that there arent Martians living in caves under the

surface of Mars, so it is reasonable for me to believe there are.

Appeal to Authority - This type of fallacy is also referred to as Argumentum adVerecundia (argument from modesty). In this case, rather than focusing on the merits

of an argument, the arguer will try to attach their argument to a person of authority in

an attempt to give credence to their argument.

For example: Well, Isaac Newton believed in Alchemy, do you think you know more

than Isaac Newton?

Appeal to Popular Opinion - This type of appeal is when someone claims that an ideaor belief is true simply because it is what most people believe.

For example: Lots of people bought this album, so it must be good.

Association Fallacy - Sometimes called "guilt by association," this occurs whensomeone links a specific idea or practice with something or someone negative in order

to infer guilt on another person.

For example: Hitler was a vegetarian, therefore, I dont trust vegetarians.

Attacking the Person - Also known as Argumentum ad Hominem (argument againstthe man), this is quite a common occurrence in debates and refers to a person who

substitutes a rebuttal with a personal insult.

For example: Dont listen to Eddies arguments on education, hes an idiot.

Begging the Question - This type of fallacy is when the conclusion of an argument isassumed in the phrasing of the question itself.

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