My colleague Eli Evans recently reminded me of something I wrote awhile back (Dec. 17, 2003). So, here it is:

Here's a list of argument types to watch out for. If you're arguing with (you know, debating) someone, and they pull out one of these arguments: stay the course. You know you've won. Why did I think of this? Well, I was listening to NPR the other day, and ... well, you know.

Argumentum ad Hitlerum: If you're debating someone, and they compare you or people who espouse ideas that you support to Hitler — you've won the argument. Also, watch out for the following subtle variations on this particular fallacy:

• Argumentum ad Stalinum: Comparing one to Joseph Stalin
• Argumentum ad Mussolini: Comparing one to Benito Mussolini
• Argumentum ad [insert dictator or general bad guy here]-um: You get the drift. 

And please don't forget the soon-to-be-very-popular Argumentum ad Saddam Husseinium.

Argumentum ad Filiium: If you're debating someone, and they say something along the lines of "But think of the children" — especially if they over-emphasize "children" — you've won the argument. There are several subtle variations on this argument too.

• Argumentum ad Senior-Citizenum: Instead of "the children", now you're implored to act irrationally for "Senior Citizens" or "the Elderly". Note: if you're an AARP lobbyist or employee, then this is not a logical fallacy.
• Argumentum ad Envrionmentum: Now, instead of "the children", we're to think of "the environment" or "mother earth" or some other such object. Be on watch for seemingly convincing scentific stats with absolutely no backup or citation whatsoever. Especially if "global warming" is mentioned.

Argumentum ad Nauseum: Sometimes, people don't know when to give up. They've implored you to save the children. They've vociferously demanded that you save the environment. They've compared you Hitler, Goebbels, Stalin, Mussolini, Saddam, Ayatollah Khomeni, Genghis Khan, and just about anybody else who's exercised a fanatic bent towards world domination from about 400 AD on. And they don't stop. Don't worry, you've won. Wipe the foaming froth from their mouths and declare yourself the victor.

These are just a few common logical fallacies presented in argument — even public debate — today. Be on the lookout for them, they appear when you least expect them.

What other common logical fallacies do you encounter? I'm not looking for a full philosopical tome or a formal survey on the topic of logic. But are there other common arguments made today that, while many people acquiesce upon their mention, are really indicators that the one who makes the argument has actually lost?

Update: Mr. Evans, your wish is my command. At least this time. There were two comments on this thread:

Eli Evans:

There's argumentum ad emotion-um — what I'm saying is true because I passionately hold it to be true. "I've looked inside myself and this is what I find." People who argue like this are common, and not used to the intellectual rigor of logic. Some can be turned around, though.

Closely related is the argument from personal experience, which is just poor extrapolation from too small a sample. "I can't believe something is generally true if I had a personal experience that I can cite to the contrary." There's always someone who knows (or was) the exception that seems to disprove the rule.

There's one of my favorites, Argumentum ad Espiritu Sanctum ... well, you probably know what that one is. "I'm right because the Holy Spirit told me so." Try arguing with that one.

I run into a lot of tautology, as well.

Pete Williamson:

Argumentum ad Historium/Traditionum — a favorite of your more historically encrusted congregations and denoms. To wit, the argument is sealed with the mighty phrase "We've never done it that way before, that's why."

Argumentum ad Parentii (is that the proper plural?) — never fails when responding to the child/ren's queries of "Why?" Important to place the stress properly on "Because I SAID so." Acceptable alternatives are "Because I'm your FATHER/MOTHER (note again the stress)."