Fallacies

Fallacies get in the way of thinking. They can be eliminated once you understand what they are and how to disarm them.

Fallacy: Definition, Examples and Formal vs Informal Fallacies

What is a fallacy?

Suppose I ask you to multiply two large numbers–say 12,653 and 65,321. How would you get the correct answer? You’d probably use a calculator or the good old multiplication algorithm you learned as a kid. One thing is clear: if you don’t use the correct method, then you’re not guaranteed to get the correct answer.  …

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Appeal to Popularity: Don’t Jump on the Bandwagon

Appeal to Popularity Fallacy

“Be careful when you follow the masses. Sometimes the ‘M’ is silent.”  -Anonymous (perhaps Unanimous) I had a conversation with my friend, Majority: Me: “Buying a house is not always the best investment.” Majority: “Most people want to buy a house, so it must be the best investment. It’s just common knowledge.” This is an …

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Hasty Generalization: Definition, Examples, and How to Avoid It

Hasty Generalization

I had a conversation the other day with my friend, Hasty: Me: “Canada has a good public health system: they provide care to 100% of their population.” Hasty: “The Canadian healthcare system sucks! One of my friends from Canada goes to the United States for every medical procedure he needs; otherwise, he’d have to wait …

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