Rhetorical Fallacies

Ad Hominem (Latin for toward the man himself): The author criticizes or attacks the author or another source based solely
on his or her character, not taking into account the reasoning or evidence provided in the source.
Example: The arguments against the abortion are weak because they are written by a Catholic priest.
The reasoning is faulty because it does not take into account the arguments given by the priest to support his
opposition.

Appeal to Tradition: The author supports or encourages some action merely by referring to what has traditionally been done.
Example: Democracy is the best type of government because it was the government of our forefathers.
Although there may be a number of reasons for promoting democracy, the fact that it was the type of government
chose by previous generations does not mean it is the best.

Bandwagon: The author claims that an action is appropriate because many other people do it.
Example: The speed limit should be raised to 80 mph on the freeway because everyone drives that fast anyway.
Driving over the speed limit may be common, but this is not a sufficient reason for raising the speed limit. Speed
limits are created to ensure safety. Higher speed limits might make it more difficult to achieve that goal.

Begging the question (circular argument): The author simply rephrases the initial arguable claim as though its a conclusion or
a good reason.
Example: O.J. Simpson did not kill his wife because he is a world-class football player, not a murderer.
The initial claim here needs to be established and argued, but it is simply rephrased.

False analogy: The author assumes that because two things are alike in one or more aspects, they are necessarily alike in all
respects.
Example: Medical Student: Non one objects to a physician looking up a difficult case in medical books. Why, then,
shouldnt students taking a difficult exam be permitted to use their textbooks?
To say humans are immortal is like saying a car will run forever.
Making people register for their own guns is like the Nazis making the Jews register with their government. This
policy is crazy.

False authority: hen reporting the opinions of others , the author incorrectly assumes their expertise in unrelated fields.
Example: As the Dixie Chicks argued, the United States should not have gone to war against Iraq.
Musical skill or popularity does not qualify someone to be an expert in foreign policy.

False cause (post hoc, ergo propter hoc): When reporting to events, the author incorrectly believes (or suggests) that the first
event cause the second event.
Example: Students protested the tuition hike, so the administration decided not to increase tuition this year.
Although the students protest may have influenced the administration, it was probably not the sole reason for the
decision.

False dilemma (either or fallacy): The author provides only two options when more than two exist.
Example: Either the Unites States uses military force to achieve its goals, or it will not be considered a world power.
The reasoning is faulty because use of military force is not the only way to secure a reputation as a world power.

Hasty generalization: The authors conclusions are based on too little evidence.
Example: the students in that high school are not prepared for college because their SAT scores are low.
This statement fails to take into account other measures of college preparedness, such as course grades and
community service.

Slippery Slope: The author predicts an unreasonable sequence of events.
Example: Establishing strict laws regarding the possession of weapons will be the first step toward becoming a police
state.
This statement is an exaggeration; countries such as Canada and England have gun-control laws but are not police
states.