reasoning flaws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasoning flaws" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing errors or inconsistencies in logical thinking or argumentation. Example: "The author's argument is weakened by several reasoning flaws that undermine its overall validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Research into the mindsets of anti-vaccination campaigners suggests that they tend to exhibit traits such as conspiratorial thinking, reasoning flaws, a reliance on anecdote over data and low cognitive complexity in thinking patterns.

The Guardian

Major themes of this course focus on thinking and leading rationally; recognizing and avoiding reasoning flaws and the forces that make us most susceptible to such flaws; approaching business problems systematically and thoroughly; and producing a problem solution that is (a) well-reasoned; (b) likely to be well-received by ultimate decision makers; and (c) able to be implemented successfully.

Cornell University

Research on the widespread use of heuristics has typically focused on how biases can lead to reasoning flaws, for example: if you have already seen several cases of a disease you can have a tendency to diagnose the same disease not taking into consideration less usual diagnosis; another example is the collection of more data than needed due to conservatism.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I thought what he said was hogwash and the reasoning flawed.

BBC

For an individual patient, inappropriate implementation, continuation or cessation of a health intervention may occur if a decision is reached based on clinical reasoning flawed by inaccurate representations of change in a relevant self-reported outcome.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Only then will the holes in the reasoning and flaws appear.

University of California, Berkeley

Behavioral economists say this reasoning is flawed.

The New York Times

Moreover, Roberts's reasoning is flawed.

The Washington Post

This line of reasoning is flawed.

Cornell University

But to some like Mr. Soderbergh, this reasoning is flawed.

The New York Times

But another expert in criminal procedure, Prof. Abraham Abramovsky of Fordham Law School, says this reasoning is flawed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the validity of an argument, use "reasoning flaws" to pinpoint specific weaknesses in the logical progression.

Common error

Avoid using "reasoning flaws" as a blanket term for any disagreement. Instead, identify and articulate the specific flaws in the reasoning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasoning flaws" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying specific weaknesses or defects in the process of logical thinking or argumentation. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its role in assessing the validity and soundness of arguments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasoning flaws" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that identifies weaknesses in logical thinking. While it is not extremely common, its usage across academia, news media, and scientific contexts demonstrates its versatility and acceptance. Ludwig confirms its validity in written English. When using the phrase, it's best to be specific about the nature of the flaw rather than using it as a generic criticism. Alternative phrases like "logical fallacies" or "faulty logic" may be more appropriate in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Logical fallacies

Focuses on specific, identifiable errors in logical argumentation.

Faulty logic

Emphasizes the incorrect or unsound nature of the logical process.

Erroneous reasoning

Highlights the mistake or error in the process of reasoning.

Defective reasoning

Points out the impairment or imperfection in the reasoning.

Flawed argumentation

Emphasizes that the structure of the argument itself contains flaws.

Inconsistent reasoning

Highlights that the process of reasoning is not coherent or consistent.

Irrational thinking

Suggests that the thought process deviates from rationality.

Unsound reasoning

Indicates that the reasoning is not well-founded or reliable.

Cognitive biases

Focuses on systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Fallacious reasoning

Similar to "logical fallacies", but more broadly applicable to any instance of deceptive or misleading reasoning.

FAQs

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

Look for inconsistencies, unsupported claims, generalizations, and biases. Consider if the evidence supports the conclusion and if there are alternative explanations.

What are some alternatives to saying "reasoning flaws"?

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

Is "reasoning flaws" a formal or informal term?

"Reasoning flaws" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings may prefer more precise terms like "logical fallacies".

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

"Reasoning flaws" refer to errors in logical thinking, while "cognitive biases" are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. "Cognitive biases" can lead to "reasoning flaws".