Logical Fallacy

by Flinkliv · Updated November. 17, 2024

  1. What is logical fallacy?
  2. Why do you need to know logical fallacy?
  3. Logical fallacy examples


What is logical fallacy?

A logical fallacy is errors and flaws in reasoning that weaken or invalidate a logical argument. You might already hear rhetoric such as:

  • They are with us or against us.
  • He is against war, so he is not patriotic.
  • Etc.

Why do you need to know logical fallacy?

Logical fallacies are often used to mislead people in advertising, politics, official reports, social media, news, etc. The capability to discern a reasonable argument from an inaccurate or a falsy one is essential and sometimes critical to making the right decision.


Logical fallacy examples

Example of false dilemma fallacy:

The false dilemma fallacy, also known as a false dichotomy or either-or fallacy, applies wrongly presenting a claim as a choice between a limited set of options.

False dilemma fallacy
Conversation between A and B about false dilemma fallacy. A: "They are either with us or against us." B: "This is a false dilemma fallacy. You are polarizing the community." B: "Let's listen to each other and find common ground. By Flinkliv.com"


Example of false Dichotomy

AI sparks debate because of mismatched expectations, often fueled by a false dichotomy. Some inflate its short-term power, dreaming of instant revolutions, while others dismiss its long-term potential, ignoring its transformative possibilities. The truth lies in balance—AI isn't magic, but it’s no fad either.

Example of false Dichotomy
Conversation between A and B about AI A: Why’s AI so divisive? B: People have kooky expectations from AI; they overhype AI's short-term impact or downplay its long-term potential By Flinkliv.com


Example of planning fallacy

The planning fallacy is a cognitive bias that refers to the tendency for individuals to underestimate the time, resources, and difficulties required to complete a task. This often leads to overly optimistic and unrealistic schedules, which can result in missed deadlines, unfinished projects, and disappointment. To avoid planning fallacy, it's essential to be aware of this bias and to approach each task with a realistic and cautious attitude. This can be achieved by considering past experiences, researching and gathering data, and involving others in the planning process. By avoiding the pitfalls of the planning fallacy, individuals can make more accurate and effective plans, leading to increased productivity and success.

Planning fallacy
Conversation between A and B about planning fallacy. A: "We are behind schedule despite my planning." B: "Planning fallacy is an unrealistic and underestimated prediction. By Flinkliv.com"


Emotional Appeal fallacy using Scarcity:

The emotional appeal fallacy is trying to manipulate an emotional response instead of a valid or compelling argument. Here is an example of an emotional appeal fallacy using scarcity.

Emotional appeal using scarcity
Conversation between A and B about emotional appeal fallacy using scarcity. A: "Oh! Limited edition, I buy." B: "Emotional appeal is a logical fallacy. You are using scarcity to manipulate an emotional response. By Flinkliv.com"


Emotional Appeal fallacy using hype

The appeal to emotion is a logical fallacy that uses emotions to strengthen to gain support or win an argument instead of using logic and solid argumentation. For example, using buzzwords to jack up stock prices to gain/manipulate followers and investors.

Emotional appeal using hype
Conversation between A and B about emotional appeal fallacy using hype. A: "AI is so powerful!" B: "Chill man, tech companies are powered by hype to jack up their stock price. By Flinkliv.com"


Example of strawman fallacy

The strawman fallacy is when a person A makes a claim, and another person B distorts it by creating a different version of the claim; then attacks person A based on the distorted version.

Strawman fallacy
Conversation between A and B about strawman fallacy. A: "The purple wants to change the service." B: "No need; we just need to update it." A: "Do you hate purple?" B: "I did not say that. You are distorting my claim. By Flinkliv.com"







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