Spot the flaw in the argument. Learn to identify logical fallacies used in debates, ads, and everyday conversations.
15+ Fallacies
To identify
Real Examples
From debates
Critical Thinking
Sharpen reasoning
Explanations
Learn why
Fallacy Detective is a critical reasoning game that trains you to recognize logical fallacies - errors in reasoning that make arguments invalid regardless of their conclusions. This skill is essential for clear thinking and effective communication.
The game presents arguments containing various logical fallacies and challenges you to identify them. You develop the analytical tools to evaluate any argument you encounter - in exams, debates, media, or everyday life.
The game covers comprehensive fallacy recognition:
Fallacy Categories: • Formal Fallacies: Errors in logical structure (affirming the consequent, denying the antecedent) • Informal Fallacies: Errors in content or context (ad hominem, straw man, red herring) • Statistical Fallacies: Misuse of data (cherry-picking, base rate neglect) • Causal Fallacies: Incorrect cause attribution (post hoc, correlation-causation)
Game Modes: Identification, explanation, and real-world examples from media and discourse.
Carefully examine the claim or reasoning being presented.
Identify the structure - what is being concluded and why.
Determine which logical fallacy (if any) the argument commits.
Understand why the reasoning is flawed.
Fallacy Detective develops reasoning abilities:
Pattern Recognition: Quickly identifying fallacy structures in arguments.
Analytical Precision: Understanding exactly why an argument fails.
Charitable Reading: Distinguishing actual fallacies from merely weak arguments.
Argument Construction: Building stronger arguments by avoiding fallacies.
Media Literacy: Critically evaluating claims in news, advertising, and social media.
Fallacy knowledge directly aids exam performance:
CAT VARC: Critical reasoning questions test fallacy recognition.
GRE/GMAT: Analytical writing requires identifying and avoiding fallacies.
LSAT/CLAT: Legal reasoning demands precise argument analysis.
UPSC Essay: Strong essays avoid fallacies and critique them in others work.
Fallacy Detective benefits critical thinkers:
• CAT/MBA Aspirants: Excel at critical reasoning questions • Law Students: Build the argument analysis foundation legal practice requires • Debaters: Strengthen both attack and defense in debates • Journalists: Improve fact-checking and argument evaluation • Informed Citizens: Think more clearly about public discourse
This game applies informal logic research:
Fallacy Theory: Based on centuries of logical analysis of common reasoning errors.
Argument Mapping: Research shows explicit structure aids fallacy detection.
Transfer to Real-World: Studies show fallacy training improves everyday reasoning.
Debiasing: Learning fallacies helps overcome personal cognitive biases.
Learn the Latin names - they appear in exams and make communication precise
Check if the conclusion actually follows from the premises
An argument can be fallacious AND reach a true conclusion - focus on reasoning
When analyzing arguments, ask: What would have to be true for this to work?
Practice identifying fallacies in news articles and social media for real-world training
