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informal fallacy

A reasoning mistake found in what an argument says, not in its form.

An informal fallacy is a defect in an argument's content: its premises are irrelevant to the conclusion, too weak to support it, assume what is in question, or depend on a shift in meaning. Because the defect is not in the form, an informally fallacious argument can still be valid.

Examples

  • "Everyone I know loves this phone, so it must be the best phone" is an informal fallacy (appeal to popularity).

  • "I always tell the truth, so I am telling the truth now" is valid in form but begs the question.

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