I've noticed a lot of arguments on the Internet run aground due to unsound reasoning. This is undoubtedly the result of the recent full moon. In order to combat such irrational thinking, I present this list as a public service...
Doug's Dozen: 12 Logical Fallacies Defined!
1. Reductio ad absurdum: Argument that you can ignore a disclaimer because the print's so small it's ridiculous.
2. Ad nauseam: Argument that we should eat at Carl's Jr. even though their commercials make me vomit.
3. Ad hominem: Argument used by Ralph Kramden when he can't think of anything else to say.
4. Non-sequitur: Argument that comes out of nowhere, like, "Hey, they should make Jack and Jill 3."
5. Post hoc, ergo propter hoc: Argument that using so many words in a dead language like Latin is why the Roman empire fell.
6. Slippery slope: Argument that if it was truly dangerous, they'd have ski patrol keeping us off, not just a dumb warning sign.
7. The undistinguished middle: Argument that stomach crunches won't give me six-pack abs, so why bother?
8. Tautology: Argument that only makes sense when you get tight.
9. Special pleading: Argument for having sex with me.
10. Appeal to authority: Argument such as, "My pal the mayor wouldn't appreciate you giving me a ticket, officer."
11. False dichotomy: Argument for surgically removing any sitcom where guys in drag pretend to be lesbians.
12. Straw man: Argument that there's any way in hell Dorothy would miss him more than the cowardly lion.
See more Doug's Dozen lists at www.dougsdozen.com.
And watch Doug's Dozen videos on FunnyOrDie.
