Understanding Logical Fallacies
Human beings are emotional animals, but most people think they live their lives according to reason and logic. These same people are often unaware of the basic tenets of rational argumentation. In explaining why they believe something to be true, or in trying to convince others that something is true, their line of reasoning is peppered with logical fallacies. Logical fallacies disguise themselves as valid logical arguments, but can be proven to be invalid. Here are some basic logical fallacies:
Ad Hominem - This is very commonly used. Instead of trying to disprove an argument, you attack the character of the person presenting the arguement.
Appeal to Force - this fallacy is pretty easy to spot. When logic fails, a veiled or an overt threat can cause the other party to accept the desired conclusion… or else!
Appeal to Ignorance - Asserting that a statement is true because it has not been proven to be false.