invalid reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invalid reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing logical fallacies or flawed arguments in various contexts, such as academic writing or debates. Example: "The conclusion drawn from the data was based on invalid reasoning, leading to incorrect assumptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Section 2 examines patterns of invalid reasoning that have their sources in Simpson's Paradox and possible ways of countering its effects.

SEP

Of course, it is an empirical question whether such oversight is the source of invalid reasoning, or whether another hypothesis better explains why many people find Simpson's Reversals to be impossible at first, and why the reversals continue to be surprising even after their source has been explained to them.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I find the reasoning invalid.

Huffington Post

In this section we inspect the prospects for treating Fitch's reasoning as invalid.

SEP

Halden criticized the character's opposing views on the matter, and stated that their reasonings were invalid.

Wikipedia

Indeed, this reasoning would be just as invalid as the one trying to prove that this book, pointing to the second edition which is actually 100 pages, is 200 pages, because the same book was 200 hundred pages in its first edition.

SEP

Fourth, such a review can also show, as did ours, that many authors, who used specific interpretations of a reason, did not express awareness of some or any other interpretations, or relevant literature in the same and other fields, and that some of the reasoning is incomplete or appears invalid.

Bioethics

One reason has to do with the common (natural language) reasoning involving counter-logicals, including, for example, sentences such as 'If intuitionistic logic is correct, then double negation elimination is invalid'.

SEP

He gets able backup in particular from Ben Fankhauser as Jack's eventual comrade, Davey, whose level-headed reasoning balances Jack's passionate volatility; Andrew Keenan-Bolger, as the eternally upbeat semi-invalid Crutchie; and Vincent Agnello as Davey's plucky kid brother, Les, a role played at matinees by R J Fattori.

The New York Times

It is important to note that this strategy forces reasoning to be non-monotonic: adding further premises to a theory can make inferences invalid that were valid before.

SEP

Correct chunks of deductive reasoning correspond, more or less, to valid or deducible arguments; incorrect chunks of reasoning roughly correspond to invalid or non-deducible arguments.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing someone's argument, specify the exact point where their "invalid reasoning" occurs to make your critique more effective.

Common error

Avoid dismissing an entire argument as "invalid reasoning" without identifying the specific flaw. Instead, pinpoint the exact logical fallacy or unsupported claim that weakens the overall argument.

Linguistic Context

Invalid reasoning functions as a noun phrase typically used to describe the presence of logical flaws or fallacies in an argument or thought process. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. The examples provided highlight its use in academic and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "invalid reasoning" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe flawed logic or fallacies within an argument. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, indicating it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related discussions. Alternatives include "flawed logic" and "fallacious reasoning". When using the phrase, it's best to specify the exact flaw in the reasoning rather than making a blanket statement. Be aware of overgeneralizing a small error to invalidate the whole argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed logic

Focuses on the presence of errors or weaknesses in the logical structure itself.

faulty reasoning

Indicates a defect or imperfection in the reasoning process.

fallacious reasoning

Highlights the presence of logical fallacies within the reasoning process.

unsound reasoning

Emphasizes the lack of a solid foundation or basis for the reasoning.

unfounded reasoning

Highlights that the reasoning lacks a valid basis or evidence.

erroneous logic

Points to the presence of factual errors or inaccuracies in the logical process.

illogical thinking

Focuses on the absence of logical coherence or consistency.

deficient reasoning

Emphasizes the inadequacy or incompleteness of the reasoning.

specious reasoning

Suggests that the reasoning appears correct but is actually deceptive or misleading.

inconsistent reasoning

Highlights contradictions or a lack of coherence within the reasoning process.

FAQs

How to use "invalid reasoning" in a sentence?

You can use "invalid reasoning" to describe arguments that contain logical fallacies or unsubstantiated claims. For example: "The politician's proposal was based on "invalid reasoning" and had no factual basis."

What can I say instead of "invalid reasoning"?

Alternatives to "invalid reasoning" include phrases like "flawed logic", "fallacious reasoning", or "unsound reasoning" depending on the specific type of error.

Which is correct, "invalid reasoning" or "invalid reason"?

"Invalid reasoning" is generally used to describe a flawed process of thought, while "invalid reason" refers to a specific, unacceptable justification. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "invalid reasoning" and "unsound argument"?

"Invalid reasoning" refers specifically to the flawed logical steps within an argument. "Unsound argument" is a broader term, meaning the entire argument fails to convince due to either invalid reasoning or false premises.