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Logical FallaciesThe argument that sounds right but is not

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The Digital World0069

Logical Fallacies

The argument that sounds right but is not

Arguments that follow a broken pattern while sounding convincing.

II · The World18 / 53

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0069 · The Primer18 / 53

Ad hominem: attacking the person instead of their argument. Straw man: misrepresenting what someone said to make it easier to argue against. False dilemma: presenting two options when more exist. These are patterns of reasoning that feel convincing but break down under inspection. Naming them is the first defence.

  • Fallacies are common in advertising, political speeches, and online debates. Once you learn the names, you start seeing them everywhere.
  • A strong argument attacks the claim, not the person. If an argument depends on mockery or emotion, check for a fallacy.
SourceAristotle, Sophistical Refutations
Damer, Attacking Faulty Reasoning (2009)

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