A logical fallacy is an element of an argument that is flawed, essentially rendering the line of reasoning, if not the entire argument, invalid.

You often times see logical fallacies used in politics and advertising.

ExamplesAd HominemFalse AnalogyRed HerringBandwagonOvergeneralizationTransferenceEuphemismTestimonialAppeal to Fear

Ad HominemTranslated from the Latin for, “To the man”,

an ad hominum argument is just that. When an argument starts getting personal and attacks are made against a person, rather than to support an argument, that is an ad hominum logical fallacy. In any situation, mudslinging is a poor substitute for a well-reasoned argument.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddLbqCQPEIw&playnext=1&list=PL95AE950CAED5F237&index=3

False AnalogyThis logical fallacy disregards significant

dissimilarities and wrongly implies that , because two items are similar in some respects, that they are therefore, similar in all respects.

For example: When comparing (arguing) the health risks of marijuana use and tobacco use and finding some similarities between the two does not mean that they pose the same risks in other aspects, such as using them while driving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60NSO9pJyVI&feature=related

Red HerringA red herring is an intentional detour from an

issue. Example: in an argument regarding condoms in school, one may try to argue that parents should be responsible for providing their children with sexually related information. While that may be true, it does not address the issue of whether condoms should be available in school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exdK7Lirngg

Bandwagon

This logical fallacy creates the impression that everybody is doing it and so should you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaXOttV2VJ0&feature=related

OvergeneralizationThis logical fallacy is an error in reasoning

which comes about by making a logical leap far greater than what the data allows.

For example: “I just read that three kids were arrested yesterday at Borchard Park for drug possession. Teens in this country are really going downhill!”

OR“Teenagers are bad drivers.”(Parents car insurance rates can spike anywhere

from 50-200 % higher once a teen driver is included on the policy.)

Transference In this technique, qualities of a known person are associated with a

product to promote or demote it. Linking an item to a respected person is positive transfer. Creating an analogy between a disliked person and a product is negative transfer. It is also used during war times.

Example: “Cleanliness is next to Fordliness.” (Brave New World p. 111)

Political Examples: Negative Transference: Swastika (associated with Nazis) Positive Transference: American Flag

Using Cowboys in Marlboro commercials to relate cigarettes and cowboys.

Middle aged women in house hold cleaning product commercials

EuphemismSubstituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one

considered harsh, blunt, or offensivePolitical Euphemisms are designed to sway public opinion

Examples include:

Undocumented Workers (illegal aliens)Enhanced Interrogation (torture)Extrajudicial Execution (assassination, murder)Legislatively Directed Spending (earmarks or political "pork")

Pro-life or Pro-Choice (Abortion)

TestimonialThis propaganda technique uses words of an

expert or a famous person to promote a particular idea. For example, a sports person is shown recommending a brand of sport shoes. Generally, people identify themselves to some celebrated figure. So celebrities are used to advertise certain products.

Appeal to FearThis propaganda technique attempts to create support for an idea by using deception and propaganda in attempt to increase fear and prejudice toward a competitor