Common Errors in Thinking

Question 1

Six Common Errors in Thinking/Logical Fallacies

Answer 1

• Faulty Reasoning
• False Dilemma
• Golden Mean Fallacy
• Straw Person
• Affirming the Consequent
• Appeal to Ignorance

Question 2

Define Faulty Reasoning

Answer 2

• A form of argument that is inaccurate or misleading in some way

Question 3

Define False Dilemma

Answer 3

• This fallacy takes the form of reducing the range of options to just two (usually extreme) option

Question 4

Define Golden Mean Fallacy

Answer 4

• Assumes that the most valid conclusion is a compromise between two competing positions

Question 5

Define Straw Person Argument

Answer 5

• Mischaracterizing a position in order to make is look absurd or unpalatable

Question 6

Define Affirming the Consequent

Answer 6

• Takes the following form: assume x is the cause of y. Then, when y is observed, conclude that x must have caused it.

Question 7

Define Appeal to Ignorance

Answer 7

• Arguing that, because there is no evidence to prove a position wrong, it must be correct