​Avoiding Logical Fallacies

EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLE

Logical fallacies refer to errors in an author’s reasoning and therefore writing that makes the overall argument less believable or credible for the reader. Essentially, logical fallacies impair the communication of the author’s ideas, leading to a less convincing argument by weakening the presentation of the author’s logic. Following you will find a definition of logic and the most common logical fallacies that authors make. 

LOGIC

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In writing, logic refers to a pattern of explicating the relationship and connections between an author’s claim, evidence, and conclusions. Logical writing contains clearly described claims, evidence that proves these claims, and conclusions that explain the validity and significance of the overall argument. If one of these components is compromised (i.e., a logical fallacy), then the author’s argument becomes less strong and less believable. 

LOGICAL FALLACIES: EXPLANATION, EXAMPLES, AND EDITING TIPS


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WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION 

While the APA manual does not directly discuss logical fallacies, you can locate many tips for writing logically in the behavioral and social sciences within Chapter 1: Writing for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (pp. 9-19).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES