Glossary

This fallacy attacks the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself.

The anecdotal fallacy is a fallacy that occurs when someone uses a personal experience or an isolated example to support a claim, rather than relying on more robust evidence. It is a type of informal fallacy where an individual relies on anecdotal evidence (stories, personal experiences, isolated examples) to draw a conclusion, even if that evidence is not representative or statistically significant.

This fallacy relies on the opinion of a figure of authority, without considering actual evidence.

This fallacy attempts to win an argument by using threats or intimidation.

This fallacy tries to win an argument by playing on emotions rather than using logic.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning and intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Such machines may be called AIs.

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Artificial intelligence. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

This fallacy suggests that something must be good or correct just because many people believe in it or do it.

This fallacy assumes the very point that needs to be proven.

It is based on categories that follow the structure: “If A is part of C, then B is part of C”.

A circular argument (also called petitio principii) occurs when the premise of an argument assumes the truth of the conclusion, rather than providing evidence to support it. In essence, it's like trying to prove something by stating it as a fact in the first place.

Using external aids—like notes, calendars, calculators, or apps—to store information or perform mental steps so your brain doesn’t have to, thereby reducing the load on working memory and attention (e.g., writing a to-do list, following GPS instead of memorizing directions).

Source: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT 5. [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Prompt: Provide a brief definition of the term "cognative offloading" which can be used in a glossary for a book

It is based on categories that follow the structure: “If A is true, then B is true” pattern.

Confirmation bias is a type of implicit cognitive bias, a mental shortcut we unconsciously use that leads us to favour information that confirms our existing beliefs, assumptions, or hypotheses, while ignoring or undervaluing evidence that contradicts them.

It is based on categories that follow the structure: “Either A or B is true; if A is false, then B must be true” pattern.

This fallacy presents only two possible options when more exist.

This fallacy compares two things that aren’t truly alike.

The false cause fallacy, also known as the fallacy of questionable cause, occurs when someone incorrectly assumes a causal relationship between two events or phenomena. This means they mistakenly believe that one event caused the other, simply because they are related or occur in a sequence, when there is no actual evidence to support that claim. Essentially, it's an error in reasoning where a correlation is mistaken for causation.

A false dilemma fallacy, also known as a false dichotomy or either-or fallacy, is a logical fallacy where only two options are presented as possibilities when more options exist. It oversimplifies a situation by suggesting there are only two choices, when in reality, there are other alternatives available.

This fallacy occurs when someone makes a broad statement based on insufficient evidence. It often stems from limited data or a single experience.

Human intelligence is the intellectual capability of humans, which is marked by complex cognitive feats and high levels of motivation and self-awareness. Using their intelligence, humans are able to learn, form concepts, understand, and apply logic and reason. Human intelligence is also thought to encompass their capacities to recognize patterns, plan, innovate, solve problems, make decisions, retain information, and use language to communicate.

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Human intelligence. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_intelligence

The awareness of and control over one’s own thinking—specifically, the ability to monitor, evaluate, and adjust how you plan, understand, and learn.

Source: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT 5. [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Prompt: Provide a brief definition of the word "metacognition" which can be used in a gloassary for a book

From the Latin meaning “it does not follow”, this fallacy occurs when a conclusion does not logically follow from the premises.

Uses terms like “some” or “most” instead of absolutes. Used in legal reasoning.

This fallacy assumes that just because one event occurred before another, the first event must have caused the second.

This fallacy distracts from the main issue by introducing an unrelated or tangential topic.

A structured ideation tool that uses seven prompts—Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify (magnify/minify), Put to other uses, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange—to interrogate and refine arguments, thesis statements, and drafts. Writers apply SCAMPER to generate alternative claims and evidence, reorganize structure, test assumptions, and improve clarity, coherence, and originality in their work.

Source: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT 5. [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Prompt: Provide a definition for the Scamper method for generating ideas as it relates to critical thinking and writing

The Standards of Critical Thinking are the tools that help a reader/writer to assess clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic and fairness in a text.

This fallacy misrepresents an opposing argument to make it easier to attack.

A syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning that consists of three parts: a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. If the premises are true and logically structured, the conclusion must also be true.

Uses absolute terms like “all” or “none”. Used for metaphysical debates.