flaws in logic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flaws in logic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing errors or inconsistencies in reasoning or arguments. Example: "The author's argument is compelling, but there are several flaws in logic that undermine its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Second, the court found that intelligent design suffers from blatant flaws in logic, one of the chief tools of science.

The Washington Post

Although the flaws in logic and general implausibility of the proceedings have to be laid at Mr. Greenberg's feet as well.

The New York Times

Here, Fitch tackles the common Creationist allegations one by one, concisely explaining their flaws in logic or in data.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

And if it's fun/ funny enough, flaws in logic could be easily excused.

Huffington Post

We don't always have to agree with one another and it's certainly more than okay to point out flaws in logic, the consequences of certain behaviors or policies, or why one position is more positive and beneficial than another.

Huffington Post

Students who self-test "in their head" usually just go through lists of terms and processes without recognizing their overall relationships and connections (Stanger Hall, personal observation), whereas students who document their self-testing on paper better recognize possible connections and can inspect them for flaws in logic afterwards.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Any suggestion that the United States is going to and wants to or might turn away from Europe is fundamentally flawed in logic," Mr. Rumsfeld told reporters aboard his plane enroute to Europe for his first extended overseas trip on behalf of the Bush administration.

The New York Times

The coordination function of strategic consistency and its positive impact on performance is emphasized by several researchers; for example, Rumelt (1980: 360) stated that "[i]nconsistency in strategy is not simply a flaw in logic.

Business Research

Though it might be difficult for many Americans to grasp the notion, this is a serious flaw in logic.

Huffington Post

Photographs in Wednesday's papers of President Bush with cuddly little babies, all of whom were produced from surplus fertilized eggs at fertility clinics, represent a White House attempt to deal with the biggest flaw in logic regarding its stem cell policy -- and its moral weak point.

Los Angeles Times

One reason for this may be due to a fundamental flaw in logic.

BioData Mining

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your own reasoning, scrutinize your assumptions and look for potential "flaws in logic" before presenting your arguments. This proactive approach can improve the credibility and persuasiveness of your communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that identifying a single "flaw in logic" invalidates an entire argument. Instead, acknowledge the flaw while considering other aspects of the argument that may still hold merit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flaws in logic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the presence of errors or weaknesses in reasoning, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from news, science and academic sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flaws in logic" is a noun phrase used to identify weaknesses or errors in reasoning within an argument. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in neutral to formal contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic writing. While less frequent than some alternatives, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity. When using the phrase, remember to be specific in identifying the nature of the "flaws in logic" and avoid overgeneralizing their impact on the overall argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical fallacies

Focuses specifically on named and recognized errors in reasoning.

errors in reasoning

Emphasizes the presence of mistakes within the thought process.

faulty reasoning

Highlights the defectiveness or imperfection of the reasoning process.

inconsistencies in reasoning

Stresses the lack of coherence or agreement within the logic.

logical inconsistencies

Implies contradictions within the logical structure.

defective arguments

Highlights that the argument has some defects.

unsound reasoning

Suggests that the reasoning is not reliable or valid.

weak arguments

Points out the lack of strength or persuasiveness in the arguments.

invalid inferences

Focuses on the incorrect conclusions drawn from the available information.

irrational thinking

Refers to thought processes that are not based on reason or logic.

FAQs

How can I identify "flaws in logic"?

Look for inconsistencies, unsupported claims, or irrelevant information within an argument. Common "logical fallacies", such as ad hominem attacks or straw man arguments, often indicate underlying "flaws in logic".

What are some common alternatives to "flaws in logic"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "logical fallacies", "errors in reasoning", or "faulty reasoning" as alternatives to "flaws in logic".

Is it always negative to point out "flaws in logic"?

While pointing out "flaws in logic" can be critical, it's not inherently negative. Constructive criticism that identifies and explains these flaws can help refine arguments and promote clearer thinking. The goal is to improve understanding, not to simply dismiss an idea.

What's the difference between "flaws in logic" and factual errors?

"Flaws in logic" refer to problems with the reasoning process itself, such as using invalid inferences or making unsupported claims. Factual errors, on the other hand, involve incorrect or inaccurate information. An argument can be logically sound even if it contains factual errors, and vice versa.