LSAT: Logical Fallacies
This flashcard deck gives a concise overview of the logical flaws most often tested on the LSAT. Learn to name each error in reasoning so you can spot flawed arguments quickly in the Logical Reasoning section.
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What is an ad hominem argument?
Attacking the person making an argument instead of the argument itself.
What is a flawed appeal to authority?
Relying on someone's opinion outside their expertise, or where experts disagree, as proof.
What is an appeal to emotion?
Using pity, fear or anger in place of evidence.
What is circular reasoning?
Assuming the conclusion in the premises, so the argument gives it no independent support.
What is equivocation?
Shifting between two meanings of the same word within an argument.
What is a straw man?
Distorting an opponent's position and then attacking the distorted version.
What is a slippery slope argument?
Claiming, without enough evidence, that a small first step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences.
What is a hasty generalization?
Drawing a conclusion about a whole group from too small or unrepresentative a sample.
What is post hoc ergo propter hoc?
Assuming that because B followed A, A caused B.
What is an appeal to popularity (ad populum)?
Treating a claim as true because many people believe it.
What is a red herring?
Bringing in an irrelevant point to distract from the issue.
What is affirming the consequent?
Concluding P from "if P then Q" and Q.
What is denying the antecedent?
Concluding not-Q from "if P then Q" and not-P.
What is a flawed analogy?
Drawing a conclusion from a comparison between things that differ in relevant ways.
What is the fallacy of composition?
Assuming what is true of the parts is true of the whole.
What is the fallacy of division?
Assuming what is true of the whole is true of each part.