Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A fallacy is a flawed reasoning or argument that leads to an invalid or unsound conclusion. It is an error in logic that can deceive or mislead the audience.
Related terms
Straw man fallacy: Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
Ad hominem fallacy: Attacking the person making the argument instead of addressing the argument itself.
Appeal to authority fallacy: Accepting a claim as true simply because someone with authority said it, without further evidence.