Logical Fallacies Quiz

Play this informative quiz on logical fallacies to test yourself. A fallacy is an error in reasoning/argument
used purposely to sound realistic and knowledgeable when in fact, it's not. It's false in contrast to the
argument. One uses fallacy to manipulate others and in an effort to make people fall in their favor. This
logical fallacies quiz is functioning around the various types of fallacies. You have to read the statement
or question carefully and then choose the correct fallacy that it falls under. So let's get started.

1. Don't believe what Kim says about global warming. Kim dropped out of college!

A.Straw man

B.Ad hominem

C.False dichotomy

D.None of the above

Correct Answer

B. Ad hominem

Explanation

This is an ad hominem attack because it attacks the person (Kim) making the argument rather than
addressing the substance of the argument itself. The fact that Kim dropped out of college is unrelated to
the topic of global warming, and using this information to discredit Kim's opinion is a form of ad
hominem fallacy.

2. You didn't remember to take out the trash this morning. It will pile up, and the neighbors will
complain, and the health inspectors will come and take away the kids.

A.Straw man

B.Begging the question

C.Slippery slope

D.None of the above

Correct Answer

C. Slippery slope

Explanation

This is a slippery slope argument because it suggests that a relatively minor event (not taking out the
trash) will lead to a series of increasingly dire consequences (neighbors complaining, health inspectors
taking away the kids) without providing strong evidence for such a progression. The argument implies
that a small action will lead to a chain of events with severe outcomes.

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3.

If you can't prove that Ken had an affair with the nanny, then he's been faithful to his wife.

A.

False dichotomy

B.

Slippery slope

C.

Begging the question

D.

None of the above

Correct Answer

C. Begging the question

Explanation

The statement "If you can't prove that Ken had an affair with the nanny, then he's been faithful to his
wife" represents a logical fallacy known as "begging the question." This fallacy occurs when an
argument's premises assume the truth of the conclusion rather than providing evidence to support the
conclusion independently. In this case, the statement assumes that Ken's faithfulness is the default
unless proven otherwise, which is a circular and unsupported argument.

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4.

We should move to the midwest because the Wall Street Journal says the cost of living is cheaper there.

A.

Begging the question

B.

Appeal to authority

C.

Straw man

D.

None of the above

Correct Answer

B. Appeal to authority

Explanation

Appeal to Authority is when you try to make your point by attaching it to someone whose opinions or
knowledge are respected, instead of arguing it on its own merits. An appeal to tradition is similar, except
instead of authority, you rely on what's familiar and comfortable.

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5.

Being overweight leads to a shortened lifespan because it's unhealthy.

A.

Slippery slope

B.

Ad hominem

C.

Begging the question

D.

None of the above

Correct Answer

C. Begging the question

Explanation

Begging the question is also known as a circular argument. It means you try to back up your point, but
what you say to back it up also needs some kind of explanation or justification.

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6.
Animal rights activists believe that we shouldn't keep animals captive and make them do our will. They
would have you abandon your pets in the wilderness.

A.

Slippery slope

B.

Begging the question

C.

Straw man

D.

None of the above

Correct Answer

C. Straw man

Explanation

This is a straw man argument because it misrepresents the position of animal rights activists. The
argument creates a distorted version of their stance, suggesting that they advocate for abandoning pets
in the wilderness, which may not be a representative or accurate portrayal of their views. The actual
position of animal rights activists may involve advocating for ethical treatment of animals, but the
statement exaggerates their position to make it easier to criticize.

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7.

Millions of people drink Diet Coke every year, so it must be the best soft drink in the world.

A.

The Red Herring

B.

The Bandwagon

C.

The Alphabet Soup

D.

None of the above

Correct Answer

B. The Bandwagon

Explanation

This fallacy works on the basis that something is correct, good, right or the way you want it to turn just
because a majority of people thinks the same. The majority of people agreeing with each other doesn't
mean it's right or correct, the reality could be totally opposite.

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8.
Which of the following is an example of the "Ad Hominem" fallacy?

A.

"I think we should invest in more renewable energy sources."

B.

"People who support renewable energy are just tree-hugging environmentalists."

C.

"Renewable energy has a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels."

D.

"The scientific community overwhelmingly supports the use of renewable energy."

Correct Answer

B. "People who support renewable energy are just tree-hugging environmentalists."

Explanation

The Ad Hominem fallacy is when someone attacks the character, motives, or attributes of a person
making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself. In option B, the argument against
renewable energy is not based on its merits or drawbacks but instead attacks the character of those who
support it, making it an example of the Ad Hominem fallacy.

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9.
Person A: - "Paul is a talented teacher. His fees should be increased." Person B: - "So what you are saying
is others are not talented teachers."

A.

Straw man

B.

The false dilemma fallacy

C.

The slothful induction fallacy

D.

None of these

Correct Answer

A. Straw man

Explanation

The given answer, "Straw man," is correct. This term refers to the fallacy of misrepresenting someone's
argument in order to make it easier to attack or refute. In this conversation, Person B is presenting a
straw man argument by falsely interpreting Person A's statement as implying that other teachers are not
talented. Person A never made this claim, but Person B is using this misrepresentation to weaken Person
A's argument.

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10.

Everyone in the office loves me because they never said otherwise.

A.

Straw man

B.

The no true Scotsman fallacy

C.

The burden of proof fallacy

D.

The personal incredulity fallacy

Correct Answer

C. The burden of proof fallacy

Explanation

The burden of proof fallacy is the most appropriate explanation for the given statement. The statement
suggests that everyone in the office loves the person making the statement, but the only evidence
provided is that no one has said otherwise. This is a fallacy because it assumes that the burden of proof
lies on others to prove that they do not love the person, rather than on the person making the claim to
provide evidence for their assertion.