Types of Fallacies
The logical Fallacies are broadly divided into two categories.
Formal Fallacies
Formal fallacies are deductively invalid arguments that typically commit an easily recognizable logical error. Formal fallacies are also called structured fallacies, as they arise due to errors in facts or reasoning. These fallacies can be identified if we explain why these arguments are invalid even for a single instance.
We shall discuss five types of formal logical fallacies in the subsequent chapters.
- Subset Arguments
- Modus ponens
- Modus tollens
- Hypothetical Syllogism
- Disjunctive Syllogism
Informal Fallacies
Informal argument fallacies arise when we assume a strong connection between the premises and the conclusion, while the connection is either weak or does not exist. This happens due to our emotional response to a situation, which makes us see the world not as it is, but as we are. As a result, we take into consideration our biases, prejudices, personal benefits (or loss), etc., while accepting or rejecting the arguments.
Informal fallacies are also called content fallacies, in which the argument is based on dubious or false premises.
We will discuss the following informal fallacies in detail in the subsequent chapters.
- Ad Hominem
- Appeal of Popular Beliefs
- Appeal to Authority
- Slippery Slope Argument
- Whataboutary
- Shifting the Burden of Proof
- Straw Man fallacy
- Red Herring Fallacy
- Fallacies of Presumption
- Fallacies of generalization
- Begging the Question/Circular Reasoning