Fallacies

Logical fallacies are patterns of reasoning that look persuasive but fail to support their conclusion—they break the rules of good argument, whether by invalid structure (formal fallacies) or by misleading use of language, evidence, or authority (informal fallacies).

They can be harmful because they sway belief and policy without good grounds: we may accept a claim because it sounds plausible, because someone famous said it, or because we want it to be true, rather than because the argument actually holds. In public discourse, media, and everyday disagreement, fallacies often replace careful thinking.

Knowing them is central to critical thinking: it helps you spot weak reasoning in others' arguments and correct it in your own. You learn to ask "does this really follow?" and "what evidence would actually support this?" rather than being moved by rhetoric alone. Below is a reference list of fallacies by category; expand a subcategory to see its list, and click a fallacy name for a full explanation and example.