Atheos Fallacies, Part 1: Define

Spot flaws in arguments. Many arguments can be dismissed because they are structurally flawed. Before embarking on this quest, familiarize yourself with the fallacies listed in the Glossary.

Define the fallacy:

Cherry Picking

Citing information that supports a claim while ignoring information that refutes it.

Using multiple meanings of a word or misusing language to reach an invalid conclusion.

Define the fallacy:

False Cause

Presenting only two diametrical options when one or more unmentioned alternatives exist.

Asserting a causal relationship where one does not exist.

Define the fallacy:

Appeal to Force

Pointing out a lack of consistency on part of the opponent.

Using threats or coercion as a reason to accept a claim.

Define the fallacy:

Attacking the Person (ad hominem)

Criticizing the person making the claim rather than the claim itself.

Citing information that supports a claim while ignoring information that refutes it.

Define the fallacy:

Association Fallacy

Criticizing the person making the claim rather than the claim itself.

Asserting that the qualities of one thing are the qualities of another via an unjustified connection.

Define the fallacy:

Special Pleading

Presenting a sham version of an opposing argument in order to refute it more readily.

Claiming that oneself (or one's claim) is exempt from standards applied to others.

Define the fallacy:

Equivocation

Using multiple meanings of a word or misusing language to reach an invalid conclusion.

Implying that the qualities of a part are the qualities of the whole.

Define the fallacy:

False Dilemma

Upholding an invalid generalization by disavowing contradictory examples.

Presenting only two diametrical options when one or more unmentioned alternatives exist.

Define the fallacy:

Fallacy of Composition

Asserting a causal relationship where one does not exist.

Implying that the qualities of a part are the qualities of the whole.

Define the fallacy:

No True Scotsman

Upholding an invalid generalization by disavowing contradictory examples.

Diverting an argument by shifting its focus to an irrelevant point.

Define the fallacy:

Straw-Man Fallacy

Bullying the person into accepting your claim with a threat if they do not.

Presenting a sham version of an opposing argument in order to refute it more readily.

Define the fallacy:

Red Herring

Claiming that oneself (or one's claim) is exempt from standards applied to others.

Diverting an argument by shifting its focus to an irrelevant point.

Define the fallacy:

Argument from Ignorance

Appealing to the lack of explanation for a phenomenon as support for a claim.

Rejecting the truth (or falsehood) of a claim because of an inability to understand how it could be true (or false).

Define the fallacy:

Argument from Authority

Citing the belief of an authority figure as support for a claim.

Appealing to the lack of explanation for a phenomenon as support for a claim.

Define the fallacy:

Appeal to Popularity

Claiming to be offended or insulted when a deeply held belief is subjected to criticism.

Using the number of believers as indicating truth of a claim.

Define the fallacy:

Appeal to Hypocrisy

Pointing out a lack of consistency on part of the opponent.

Using the number of believers as indicating truth of a claim.

Define the fallacy:

Argument from Incredulity

Rejecting the truth (or falsehood) of a claim because of an inability to understand how it could be true (or false).

Asserting that the qualities of one thing are the qualities of another via an unjustified connection.

Define the fallacy:

Appeal to Sanctity

Attempting to protect a supposedly pure or sacred idea from criticism.

Defending a claim based solely on its longevity.

Define the fallacy:

Appeal to Tradition

Citing the belief of an authority figure as support for a claim.

Defending a claim based solely on its longevity.

Define the fallacy:

Not one scientist has ever adequately explained how the male & female sexual organs evolved independent of each other yet still co-dependent on each other.

Argument from Ignorance

Appeal to Tradition

Define the fallacy:

Appeal to Righteous Indignation

Attempting to protect a supposedly pure or sacred idea from criticism.

Claiming to be offended or insulted when a deeply held belief is subjected to criticism.