Discover published sets by community

Presenting two opposing options as the only possibilities, when in fact more exist; Example: 'We either cut social programs or plunge into financial ruin. There is no other way.'

Manipulating an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument; Example: 'We must have increased military spending to protect the children who are the future of our country.'

Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack; Example: 'Senator Smith believes in climate change, so he obviously supports killing all the cows to reduce methane.'

Appealing to popularity or the fact that many people do something as an attempted form of validation; Example: 'If you want to be on the winning side, you'll support this trade deal. Everyone else does.'

When the conclusion of an argument is used as a premise of the argument; Example: 'We must reduce our company's carbon emissions because it's vital to stop climate change by reducing emissions.'

Making a rushed conclusion without considering all of the variables; Example: 'My father smoked four packs a day and lived until 90, so smoking can't be that bad for you.'

Asserting that a claim is true simply because a valid authority or expert on the issue said it was true, without any other supporting evidence; Example: 'The president said this is the best course of action, so it must be.'

Attacking an opponent's character or personal traits instead of engaging with their argument; Example: 'You can't believe anything my opponent says about fiscal policy; he's been divorced twice.'

Asserting that a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant effect; Example: 'If we allow same-sex marriage, next thing we know we'll be marrying our pets.'