The UVic Writer's Guide

Logic and Argument

Because the argument of an essay depends upon logic, you must be wary of logical fallacies. Especially when you feel strongly about something, it is all too easy to seize an argument that merely sounds convincing, without looking at it carefully. The following links show you what basic problems to avoid.

Undefined Terms
Generalization
Black or white
Abstractions
Analogies
Syllogisms
Circular Argument
Begging the Question
Argument of the Beard
Non Sequiturs
Fallacies of Relevance
Catchall Explanation
Slanted Language

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