fallacious reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

"fallacious reasoning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to arguments or thoughts that are based on false or misleading information or logic. You can use this phrase when discussing a flawed argument or reasoning in a written piece, such as in an essay or article. For example: "The politician's argument was built on fallacious reasoning, as it ignored important data and relied on emotional manipulation." In this sentence, "fallacious reasoning" highlights the flaws in the politician's argument and implies that their reasoning was not logical or valid.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

This is fallacious reasoning.

The New York Times

And his logic can seem like circular — to the point of fallacious — reasoning.

The New York Times - Arts

In it he sought to teach students how to use logical principles to spot correct or fallacious reasoning in a wide variety of contemporary political and social debates.

The New York Times

The boy, serious rather than arrogant, proceeds to engage her in a debate about John Stuart Mill and then finds her guilty of fallacious reasoning.

The New York Times - Books

Prof. Quinn was well aware that he was engaging in fallacious reasoning — just because someone we don't like says something is bad, it doesn't follow that the something is therefore good.

University of California, Berkeley

He was his own invention, formed in the vacuum of a broken family, seduced by an ideal of militant self-control, tutored only in the infallible but utterly fallacious reasoning of outcasts devoted to overturning the government in pursuit of rights they already possessed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Unsound Reasoning.

Forbes

Another fallacious line of reasoning: the IRS is overstepping because they're looking for a needle in a haystack.

Forbes

We went on and on at length, strengthening our points, using anecdotes, pulling out the nonfiction stops to prove the other's reasoning fallacious, a veteran lawyer and a potential novice going at it.

Huffington Post

But this reasoning is fallacious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gaunilo concludes that Anselm's reasoning is fallacious.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing arguments, explicitly identify the specific type of fallacy present in the "fallacious reasoning", such as ad hominem or straw man, to strengthen your critique.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two things are related, one causes the other. This is a common error in "fallacious reasoning". Always look for evidence of a direct causal link before drawing conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fallacious reasoning" functions as a noun phrase that describes a type of argument or thinking process. It's used to identify and label instances where logic is flawed or misleading, as confirmed by Ludwig. Examples show its use in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fallacious reasoning" is a noun phrase used to describe flawed or misleading logic in arguments. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Identifying "fallacious reasoning" is crucial for critical thinking and effective communication. Alternatives include "erroneous logic", "flawed logic", and "unsound reasoning". Remember to pinpoint the specific type of fallacy when using this phrase to enhance your analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erroneous logic

Replaces "reasoning" with "logic", focusing on the incorrectness of the logical process.

flawed logic

Uses "flawed" instead of "fallacious", emphasizing the presence of defects in the logic.

unsound reasoning

Substitutes "fallacious" with "unsound", suggesting a lack of solid foundation in the reasoning.

invalid reasoning

Replaces "fallacious" with "invalid", stressing that the reasoning does not follow correct logical principles.

spurious logic

Focuses on logic that appears to be valid but is actually based on false premises.

defective reasoning

Highlights the presence of defects in the thought process.

incorrect inference

Shifts from "reasoning" to "inference", pointing out that the conclusion drawn is wrong.

misguided logic

Implies that the logic is wrongly directed or based on flawed assumptions.

specious argument

Uses "specious" to describe an argument that seems correct but is actually false.

sophistical argument

Highlights the use of clever but deceptive reasoning.

FAQs

How is "fallacious reasoning" typically used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "fallacious reasoning" is often used to identify and critique flaws in arguments, demonstrating a critical understanding of logic and rhetoric. Identifying "fallacious reasoning" strengthens the analysis and improves the overall quality of the work.

What are some common examples of "fallacious reasoning"?

Common examples include ad hominem attacks (attacking the person instead of the argument), straw man fallacies (misrepresenting an opponent's argument), and false dilemmas (presenting only two options when more exist). Recognizing these patterns helps in identifying "fallacious reasoning" in everyday discussions.

Which is more appropriate: "flawed reasoning" or "fallacious reasoning"?

Both "flawed reasoning" and "fallacious reasoning" are appropriate, but "fallacious reasoning" specifically implies a violation of logical principles, while "flawed reasoning" can refer to any kind of error or weakness in thinking. The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of error you're describing.

How can I improve my ability to identify "fallacious reasoning"?

Improving your ability involves studying logic, practicing critical thinking, and analyzing arguments from various sources. Familiarizing yourself with common types of fallacies and seeking diverse perspectives will sharpen your analytical skills in detecting "fallacious reasoning".