Lesson 1 of 20 · Logic & Reasoning
LessonintermediateLogical Fallacies Detector
What You'll Learn
Key Concept: Common reasoning errors
Think About This
You realize that an assumption you held about common reasoning errors might be wrong. How do you handle updating your beliefs in light of new evidence?
Thinking Steps
Define
State the problem or question about common reasoning errors in your own words. Be specific.
Investigate
What evidence or information is available? What might be missing?
Consider Angles
Look at this from at least two perspectives. What would someone who disagrees say?
Reason It Out
Connect evidence to your conclusion: 'The evidence shows X, which means Y, because Z.'
Test Your Thinking
Could you be wrong? What evidence would change your mind? Rate your confidence 1-10.
Reflect & Connect
What thinking skill did you use? How could you apply this to something in your real life?
Key Points
Bandwagon fallacy: popular doesn't mean right
Ad hominem: attack the argument, not the person
Appeal to authority: fame doesn't equal expertise
Key Vocabulary
Deduction
Using general rules to reach a specific conclusion
Fallacy
A mistake in reasoning that makes an argument flawed
Hypothesis
A testable prediction based on evidence
Why This Matters in Real Life
Lawyers build logical arguments in court. Engineers use logic to design safe bridges. Programmers use it to write code. Logic is everywhere!
Talk About It
Discuss these questions with a friend, parent, or classmate.
- 1Give a real-world example where common reasoning errors would help you make a better decision.
- 2What's the most common mistake people make with this kind of thinking?
- 3How does this thinking skill connect to other subjects you study in school?
- 4If you had to teach this to a younger student, what's the ONE thing you'd make sure they understood?
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What is the main idea of common reasoning errors?
