assumption

Another type of fallacy assumption is when people assume that something will just continue without any check or balances. Or that something is acceptable because people did not object before to the progression of events up until now. We call this the “Slippery Slope Fallacy.”

Below is an example of a medieval proverb that is sound in its logic and not an example of a "Slippery Slope" fallacy even though it is often quoted to support such fallacies.  Have a careful read of it and then compare it to the fallacy examples at the bottom of the article.

Another type of assumption is when, by design or accident, someone tries to force you into a position you do not want to agree to. This can be done when someone asks you a “loaded question." It is a question that contains a hidden assumption or agenda. It is really two or more questions squashed into one. Answering yes or no to it will not fully describe what you would like to state.

A simple equivocation is when someone switches the meaning of a word in the middle of their argument. For example, they may begin by using the word "right" to describe the direction opposite to left, then later use it to describe being correct in some aspect. They did not use these words in two separate claims but linked them to one subject, hoping that you did not notice it.

We've all probably experienced this over the years. Circular reasoning is when someone talks in circles without proving their point. They use a string of things to prove each other, then return to where they started. For example, “X” is true because “Y” is true, and “Y” is true because “X” is true. Whether or not they intend to do it, they are simply using smoke and mirrors to trick you into accepting their position.