Fallacy

/ˈfæl.ə.si/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound arguments.

The fallacy that all dogs are dangerous can lead to irrational fears of friendly pets.

A failure in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

The argument that we should not trust the scientific community due to a few past mistakes is a classic example of a fallacy.

An idea or belief that is false but is often mistaken for the truth.

The fallacy of appealing to tradition ignores the possibility of progress and improvement over time.

A deceptive or misleading notion.

Believing that wealth guarantees happiness is a fallacy that many people fall into.

From Middle English fallacie, from Old French fallacie, from Latin fallacia, from fallax ('deceptive').

logical fallacy:

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

fallacy of composition:

The incorrect assumption that what is true for a part is also true for the whole.

fallacy of division:

The incorrect assumption that what is true for the whole is also true for its parts.

A clever lie or misleading argument.

Don't fall for that fallacy; it's just a clever spin on the truth.

A logical loophole used to deceive.

His argument was just a fallacy; he was trying to loophole his way out of responsibility.