faulty reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faulty reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing logical fallacies or errors in thinking that lead to incorrect conclusions. Example: "The argument presented was based on faulty reasoning, which undermined its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He was accused of faulty reasoning.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most likely cause of human extinction is faulty reasoning.

The New Yorker

Such spectacularly bad timing stems less from faulty reasoning by fund owners than from faulty emotions.

The New York Times

This is the faulty reasoning that has led some countries to ban distribution of Hitler's books and memorabilia.

The New York Times

Max Boot of the Los Angeles Times is the latest to weigh in, accusing Mearsheimer and Walt of paranoia, "faulty reasoning," and "a terminal lack of seriousness".

The New York Times

But this is precisely the faulty reasoning that may worry doctors and scientists as they try to test the role of placebos.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But the damage lives on, in other mass-surveillance programs that continue to this day, authorized by the same faulty legal reasoning.

The Guardian - Opinion

The alleged common-sense argument that if a country is poor it cannot provide UHC is, however, based on crude and faulty economic reasoning.

The Guardian

The majority of explanations using "force-talk" were characterized by faulty evolutionary reasoning.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Furthermore, biology students and teachers often lack (or reject) a naturalistic scientific worldview (Evans et al. 2010), fail to adopt evolution as a conceptual organizer for the life sciences (Nehm et al. 2009), and utilize faulty evolutionary reasoning patterns (teleology, essentialism, and intentionality) characteristic of young children (Sinatra et al. 2008).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

46 Diagnostic error may result as a result of faulty clinical reasoning, misinterpretation of diagnostic tests or be related to or exacerbated by system failures and is often multifactorial.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing an argument, explicitly identify the specific type of "faulty reasoning" being used (e.g., ad hominem, straw man) to strengthen your critique.

Common error

Avoid vaguely labeling an argument as "faulty reasoning" without providing specific examples or explanations of the logical flaws present. Support your claim by pointing out the specific fallacies or errors in the reasoning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faulty reasoning" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "faulty" modifies the noun "reasoning". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faulty reasoning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to denote flaws in logical argumentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias, showcasing its versatility in analytical discourse. Alternatives like "flawed logic" or "incorrect reasoning" can be employed to add nuance. When using the term, be specific in identifying the type of logical error to enhance clarity. Remember that while the term is widely accepted, formal logic may offer more precise terminology. Overall, understanding and identifying "faulty reasoning" is crucial for effective communication and critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed logic

Focuses on the inherent imperfections or weaknesses within the logical structure itself.

incorrect reasoning

Highlights the inaccuracy and deviation from established principles of correct thought.

unsound reasoning

Emphasizes the lack of solid foundation or validity in the reasoning process.

fallacious reasoning

Specifically points to the presence of fallacies, which are deceptive or misleading arguments.

invalid reasoning

Stresses the lack of logical validity, meaning the conclusion does not follow from the premises.

deficient reasoning

Highlights that reasoning is insufficient or incomplete.

erroneous reasoning

Indicates reasoning that is based on errors or mistakes.

weak reasoning

Suggests the reasoning lacks strength or persuasiveness.

poor judgment

Focuses on the compromised decision-making ability.

illogical thinking

Emphasizes the absence of logical connections and coherence.

FAQs

How can I identify "faulty reasoning" in an argument?

Look for common logical fallacies such as ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, appeals to emotion, or false dilemmas. Identifying these patterns can help you recognize "faulty reasoning".

What are some alternatives to saying "faulty reasoning"?

You can use alternatives like "flawed logic", "incorrect reasoning", or "unsound reasoning" depending on the context.

Is "faulty reasoning" a formal term used in logic?

While "faulty reasoning" is a generally understood term, formal logic often uses more specific terms to describe types of logical errors, such as "fallacy" or "cognitive bias".

What's the difference between "faulty reasoning" and "cognitive bias"?

"Faulty reasoning" generally refers to errors in logical argumentation, while "cognitive bias" refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.