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fallacy

noun

/ˈfaləsi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fallacy

A mistaken belief, misconception, or false reasoning that leads to an incorrect or invalid conclusion.
"He was able to refute the fallacy in the argument with evidence."

Detailed meaning of fallacy

Fallacies can take many forms and are typically characterized by errors in logic, reasoning, or argumentation. They often appear persuasive on the surface but are flawed upon closer examination. Fallacies can be unintentional errors in thinking or deliberate attempts to deceive or manipulate others by presenting faulty or misleading arguments. Identifying and understanding fallacies is essential in critical thinking and reasoning, as it helps individuals recognize flawed arguments and make more informed, rational decisions. Fallacies can be found in various contexts, including debates, advertisements, politics, and everyday conversations, and recognizing them is crucial for making sound judgments and avoiding the pitfalls of flawed logic.

Example sentences containing fallacy

1. He was able to identify the fallacy in the argument.
2. She was skilled at exposing fallacies in reasoning.
3. The argument contained several logical fallacies.
4. He was quick to point out fallacies in other people's thinking.
5. It's a modern fallacy that career is more important than family.
6. She was well-versed in detecting common fallacies in reasoning.

History and etymology of fallacy

The noun 'fallacy' has its roots in Latin and can be traced back to the Latin word 'fallacia,' which means 'deception' or 'trickery.' It is derived from 'fallax,' meaning 'deceptive' or 'false.' In its earliest usage, 'fallacy' referred to a deceptive or misleading statement or argument. Over time, it evolved in English to represent a mistaken belief, misconception, or false reasoning that leads to an incorrect or invalid conclusion. Thus, the etymology of 'fallacy' encapsulates the concept of deception and falsehood, highlighting the erroneous nature of the beliefs or reasoning it describes.

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Further usage examples of fallacy

1. The conclusion was based on a false premise and was therefore a fallacy.
2. He was able to explain the fallacy in a clear and concise manner.
3. She was critical of the fallacies in the reasoning of others.
4. The argument was riddled with fallacies and lacked credibility.
5. She was knowledgeable about the different types of fallacies and how to avoid them.
6. The argument was based on a common fallacy, which was easily debunked.
7. The fallacy of assuming correlation implies causation is common.
8. He exposed the fallacy in their argument with solid evidence.
9. The slippery slope fallacy often hinders rational debate.
10. Believing wealth guarantees happiness is a fallacy.
11. The ad hominem fallacy attacks the person, not the argument.
12. The fallacy of anecdotal evidence can mislead decision-making.
13. Circular reasoning is a classic logical fallacy.
14. The fallacy of composition assumes what's true for parts is true for the whole.
15. The appeal to authority fallacy relies on prestige, not facts.
16. Confirmation bias can perpetuate the fallacy of false consensus.
17. The gambler's fallacy is believing past events influence future outcomes.
18. Red herring fallacies divert attention from the main issue.
19. The fallacy of equivocation uses ambiguous language to mislead.
20. Many superstitions are based on the fallacy of magical thinking.
21. The fallacy of division assumes what's true for the whole is true for parts.
22. False dichotomy fallacies present only two options when more exist.
23. The fallacy of hasty generalization relies on insufficient evidence.
24. The straw man fallacy distorts an opponent's argument to attack it.
25. Post hoc fallacies assume causation based on timing.
26. The fallacy of suppressed evidence hides crucial information.