flaws in reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flaws in reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing logical errors or inconsistencies in someone's thought process or argumentation. Example: "The article presents several flaws in reasoning that undermine the author's main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Indeed, Mr. Sperber, a member of the Jean-Nicod research institute in Paris, first developed a version of the theory in 2000 to explain why evolution did not make the manifold flaws in reasoning go the way of the prehensile tail and the four-legged stride.

The New York Times - Arts

He concluded that the tribunal's decision resulted from "poor fact-finding" combined with "serious flaws in reasoning".

BBC

When we explicitly asked students on the midsurvey to characterize how they worked with fellow students, the self-reports on behavior were not different between the majors and nonmajors: the majority of students felt that they considered peer's answers before deciding on their own answer and reported that they would point out flaws in reasoning and question each other in these group settings.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Additional general tasks are critical readers, whose task it is to follow in detail the written products of another team and to provide feedback indicating flaws in reasoning, inconsistencies, and aspects that require further clarification; editors, who are responsible for the written proposal; and, finally, students who will prepare the oral presentations for the jury.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It should be noted that Oxman's Krebs Circle of Creativity contains a significant flaw in reasoning, because it actually omits that art and science, despite being both connected by reason, are two fundamental opposites or pathways.

Environmental Sciences Europe

There were dramatic stumbles: Police blunders over the crime scene (an officer stole one of Pistorius' watches, the court heard) and Masipa's obvious flaw in reasoning in convicting Pistorius of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, a ruling that was unanimously overturned in the Supreme Court of Appeal last December.

Los Angeles Times

A logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning that are commonly used to make weak arguments appear stronger.

WikiHow

The flaws in the reasoning were manyfold.

The Economist

The flaws in their reasoning stand starkly exposed by the Reproductive Toxicology paper.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, Mr. Brucker said, there are significant flaws in such reasoning.

The New York Times

He diagramed flaws in my reasoning (there were many) and counseled me on a rewrite.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing arguments, clearly identify the specific "flaws in reasoning" rather than making vague criticisms. Provide concrete examples to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a single "flaw in reasoning" invalidates an entire argument. Assess the overall strength and consider whether other aspects remain valid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flaws in reasoning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it identifies shortcomings or errors present in a logical thought process or argument. It highlights deficiencies in how someone has arrived at a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flaws in reasoning" is a noun phrase used to identify weaknesses or errors in a logical argument or thought process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields such as news media, science, and general discussions. The phrase serves to critique and analyze the validity of an argument, highlighting vulnerabilities. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it is used more frequently in formal registers. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples to support your analysis. Common alternatives include "logical fallacies" and "errors in logic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical fallacies

Focuses specifically on identifiable patterns of flawed logic.

errors in logic

Directly refers to mistakes within the logical structure of an argument.

faulty logic

Highlights the presence of incorrect or unreliable logical connections.

defective reasoning

Emphasizes that the reasoning process is impaired or inadequate.

unsound reasoning

Indicates that the reasoning lacks a solid foundation or validity.

invalid reasoning

Suggests that the reasoning does not adhere to established rules of inference.

irrational thinking

Points to thought processes that deviate from reason or logic.

cognitive biases

Refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

reasoning errors

A general term for mistakes made during the reasoning process.

poor judgment

Highlights the outcome of flawed reasoning, resulting in unwise decisions.

FAQs

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

Look for common logical fallacies such as ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, or appeals to emotion. Also, check for unsupported claims or inconsistencies in the premises.

What are some alternatives to saying "flaws in reasoning"?

You can use alternatives like "logical fallacies", "errors in logic", or "faulty logic" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "flaws in reasoning" and "cognitive biases"?

"Flaws in reasoning" generally refer to specific errors in logical argumentation, while "cognitive biases" are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment that can affect reasoning without necessarily being formal fallacies.

Is it always necessary to point out "flaws in reasoning"?

While identifying and addressing "flaws in reasoning" is important for critical thinking, it's crucial to do so respectfully and constructively. Focus on the argument itself, not the person making it.