


John: I think we should hire someone to redesign our website. Instead of fully addressing your actual argument, speakers relying on this fallacy present a superficially similar - but ultimately not equal - version of your real stance, helping them create the illusion of easily defeating you. This fallacy occurs when your opponent over-simplifies or misrepresents your argument (i.e., setting up a "straw man") to make it easier to attack or refute. Our list is by no means an exhaustive guide to every formal and informal fallacy, but it should help you build better arguments and identify logical missteps.ġ5 Common Logical Fallacies 1) The Straw Man Fallacy Having an understanding of these basic logical fallacies can help you more confidently parse the arguments and claims you participate in and witness on a daily basis - separating fact from sharply dressed fiction.

While some come in the form of loud, glaring inconsistencies, others can easily fly under the radar, sneaking into everyday meetings and conversations undetected. Logical fallacies - those logical gaps that invalidate arguments - aren't always easy to spot.
