What is the Feedback Fallacy? Also known as “Correlation Does Not Imply Causation” or “Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc,” this fallacy occurs when someone mistakenly assumes that a correlation between two variables implies causation. In reality, there are often multiple explanations for observed correlations, and establishing causality requires more rigorous evidence. How does the Feedback […]

What is the False Equivalence Fallacy? Also known as “False Balance” or “Moral Equivalence,” this fallacy occurs when someone compares two or more things that are not actually comparable, often to create a false sense of symmetry or balance. This can be done intentionally to obscure important differences, downplay valid concerns, or promote a particular […]

What is the False Dilemma Fallacy? Also known as “False Dichotomy” or “Either-Or Fallacy,” this fallacy occurs when someone presents a situation as if it were a simple binary choice between two options, ignoring any potential middle ground, nuances, or alternative solutions. This can be done intentionally to sway opinion, limit discussion, or force an […]

What is the False Authority Fallacy? Also known as “Appeal to Unqualified Authority” or “Fallacious Appeal to Authority,” this fallacy occurs when someone presents a claim or argument and cites an individual or source that lacks expertise in the relevant area. This can include: How does the False Authority Fallacy work? Here are some examples […]

What is the Fallacy of Quoting Out of Context? Also known as “Contextomy,” this fallacy occurs when someone takes a quote from a larger text or conversation and presents it in isolation, ignoring the surrounding words, sentences, or paragraphs that provide essential context. This can lead to a distorted understanding of the original message. How […]

What is the False Attribution Fallacy? Also known as “Fallacy of Misattribution,” this fallacy occurs when someone incorrectly attributes a statement, idea, or action to another person, group, or organization. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, but it often has significant consequences for the person or entity being misattributed. How does the False Attribution […]

What is the Fallacy of Division? Also known as “Fallacy of Decomposition,” this fallacy occurs when an arguer assumes that what is true for a whole must also be true for each part or component. In other words, they infer a conclusion about individual parts based solely on characteristics of the entire system. How does […]

What is the Fallacy of Composition? Also known as “Division Fallacy” or “Fallacy of Division,” this fallacy occurs when an arguer assumes that what is true for each part of something must also be true for the whole. In other words, they infer a conclusion about a complex system based solely on its individual components. […]

What is the Etymological Fallacy? Also known as “Etymological Error” or “Historical Definition Fallacy,” this fallacy occurs when an arguer assumes that a word’s current meaning is determined by its etymology (i.e., its origin and history). In other words, they imply that because a word once meant something in the past, it must still mean […]

What is the Ecological Fallacy? Also known as “Cross-Level Fallacy” or “Aggregate Bias,” this fallacy occurs when an arguer makes conclusions about individual-level phenomena based on aggregate or group-leveldata. This can lead to incorrect or misleading interpretations, as the relationships between variables at different levels of analysis (e.g., individuals vs. groups) may not beequivalent. How […]