Question

Match each logical fallacy to its correct definition.

1) ad hominem - an attack on or criticism of someone's character rather than the logic or content of the argument
2) ad populum - appeals to the popularity of a practice or concept as a method of persuasion
3) circular reasoning - the use of an argument's conclusion as a premise for proving the argument (assuming what it is attempting to prove)
4) red herring - a tactic that is used to distract from an argument by avoiding key issues or ignoring opposing views
5) slippery slope - a conclusion based on the premise, 'if this, then that,' often with an extreme or unlikely outcome

Answer 1

Ad hominem is a fallacy where someone attacks a person's character instead of their argument. Ad populum uses popularity as a persuasion tactic. Circular reasoning is when the conclusion is used as a premise. Red herring is a diversion tactic, and slippery slope predicts extreme outcomes based on one event.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ad hominem: This logical fallacy involves attacking or criticizing someone's character instead of addressing the arguments or content of their position. For example, calling someone a bully or a thief to discredit their argument.

Ad populum: This fallacy appeals to the popularity of a practice or concept as a means of persuasion. An example would be saying, 'Everyone is buying these sneakers, so you should get them too.'

Circular reasoning: This fallacy occurs when the conclusion of an argument is used as a premise to prove the argument, assuming what it's trying to prove. For instance, saying 'I'm right because I said so.'

Red herring: This fallacy is a tactic used to distract from an argument by avoiding key issues or disregarding opposing views. It serves as a diversion to sidetrack the discussion.

Slippery slope: This fallacy involves making a conclusion based on the premise that if one thing happens, then a series of extreme or unlikely outcomes will follow.