This page provides information about logical fallacies - common errors in reasoning that undermine the validity of arguments. Understanding these fallacies will help you identify weak arguments and improve your own reasoning skills!
Ad hominem
Example:
The Argument: A friend is recommending a plant-based diet, citing studies on its benefits for heart health.
The Ad Hominem Attack: "I'm not going to listen to your advice on diet. You're constantly talking about healthy eating, but I saw you sneak an entire bag of chips last week!"
The Fallacy: Whether or not the friend perfectly follows their own advice doesn't make the scientific evidence they cited about heart health any less true.
Explanation:
Attacking an individual and their character as a way of avoiding their potentially valid criticism and / or arguments
Straw Man
Example:
Person A: "We should have stricter gun regulations"
Person B: “So you want to take away everyone’s guns and leave people defenseless?”
Explanation:
This misrepresents the opponent’s argument into an exaggerated or distorted version, making it easier to attack.