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The 7 logical fallacies that will help you win discussions by identifying unfounded arguments

Discover 7 logical fallacies that will help you identify unfounded arguments in any discussion. Improve your critical thinking and defend your ideas....
Author: Patricia Alegsa
14-08-2024 13:04







  1. 1. Appeal to Ignorance
  2. Ad hominem
  3. Slippery Slope
  4. 4. Straw Man Fallacy
  5. 5. Appeal to Authority
  6. 6. False dichotomy
  7. 7. Whataboutism


Hello, critical thinker and logic lover! If you've ever had a heated conversation about a hot topic, you’ve likely encountered one of those traps that, although they seem modern, have roots so ancient they could share a table with Plato.

Yes, we are talking about logical fallacies. I invite you to embark on this journey where we will explore these tricks of reasoning and how to detect them.

Get ready to sharpen your mind!

First, let's put it in simple terms. A logical fallacy is a mistake in reasoning.

But here’s the interesting part: even though they have nothing to do with the truth of a statement, they make that statement sound more convincing.

Isn't it amazing? Imagine you're in a discussion and suddenly someone uses an argument that makes you say "That makes sense!", even though it really doesn't at all. Happy moment of self-criticism!

So, why should you care about these fallacies? Because, by learning to detect them, you will not only improve your critical thinking skills, but also be able to steer conversations towards more relevant topics. So, let’s get to work and explore seven of these fallacies that are lurking around every corner of the Internet and in our everyday chats.


1. Appeal to Ignorance



Imagine someone saying: "There is no evidence that extraterrestrials do not exist, therefore, they must exist."

Surprise! This is a classic fallacy. The lack of evidence does not mean that something is true.

So the next time someone talks to you about lizards ruling the world, remember: the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.


Ad hominem



This is like telling a chef that their food is bad just because they are wearing a bad hat.

Attacking the messenger instead of the message gets you nowhere. If someone criticizes a scientist for their motivations instead of their data, alarm! You are facing an ad hominem fallacy.

Let's stop those distractions!


Slippery Slope




“If we allow students to bring cookies to class, soon they will be bringing cakes and then birthday parties every week.”

Does that sound familiar? This argument exaggerates the consequences of a small change. Remember, not all changes have to lead to an apocalypse of parties.


4. Straw Man Fallacy




This occurs when someone distorts another person's argument to make it easier to attack. For example, if you say that sugar intake should be reduced and someone responds with, "Do you want to ban sugar?".

Bingo! There you have a straw man. Let's be more honest in our interactions!


5. Appeal to Authority




"I believe the Earth is flat because an influencer said so." This is a classic, and it doesn't always mean the person is famous.

Sometimes, it can be a supposed expert on a topic that has nothing to do with the argument. Remember, a title does not make an expert, evidence does!


6. False dichotomy




"You are for or against this." Often, life is not so black or white. Presenting a complex issue as if there were only two options is misleading.

The next time someone presents you with a simplistic dilemma, ask yourself: "Are there more alternatives here?"


7. Whataboutism




This is the "what about you?" of discussions. If someone points out a mistake and your response is to mention another mistake of that person, you are in the realm of whataboutism. Remember, two wrongs don’t make a right. Each argument must be analyzed on its own merit.

So, dear reader, now that you have the map of logical fallacies, how do you feel? Ready to face those traps in your upcoming discussions? Remember, knowledge is power.

By being aware of these fallacies, you not only improve your ability to argue but also contribute to richer and more meaningful conversations. Ah, and if one day you find yourself using a fallacy, don't worry. We are all human, and the important thing is to learn and improve.

Let’s detect fallacies like a pro!



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