1. a fallacious or illogical argument, especially one that appears valid but contains a logical error
Usage: formal; philosophy; logic

Examples

• The student’s essay contained several paralogisms that undermined his thesis.
• Kant identified paralogisms in rational psychology that led to false conclusions about the soul.
• The debate was marred by paralogisms that confused the audience.
• Her argument appeared convincing at first, but closer examination revealed it was a paralogism.
• The philosopher spent considerable time exposing the paralogisms in his opponent’s reasoning.
• Logic courses teach students to identify and avoid common paralogisms.