Fallacies of Presumption Vocabulary

assuming the conclusion in the premise

“The Bible is true because it's the word of God, and we know it's God's word because the Bible says so.”

Origin: Latin `petitio principii` (assuming the initial point)

using the conclusion as a premise

“I'm trustworthy because I say so, and you can trust what I say because I'm trustworthy.”

Origin: From the circular structure of the argument

presenting only two options when more exist

“You're either with us or against us—ignoring neutral positions.”

Origin: Greek `dichotomia` (division in two)

forcing a choice between artificially limited options

“Either we cut education or raise taxes—ignoring other budget options.”

Origin: Greek `dilemma` (double proposition)

a question that presupposes something unproven

“Have you stopped cheating on tests?—presumes you were cheating.”

Origin: From the hidden assumptions 'loaded' into the question

combining multiple questions into one

“Do you support freedom and lower taxes?—conflating separate issues.”

Origin: Latin `complexus` (embracing, surrounding)

drawing broad conclusions from limited examples

“I met two rude New Yorkers, so all New Yorkers are rude.”

Origin: From generalizing too quickly from insufficient data

applying a general rule to exceptional cases

“Exercise is healthy, so you should exercise during your heart attack.”

Origin: From 'sweeping' too broadly with a generalization