
Full Answer
What is an example of specious?
Specious is defined as something that looks right, or that looks attractive, but is not as it seems. An argument that seems correct only if you do not think about it very carefully is an example of a specious argument.
What is an example of a specious argument?
Specious is defined as something that looks right, or that looks attractive, but is not as it seems. An argument that seems correct only if you do not think about it very carefully is an example of a specious argument. Having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually fallacious.
Is there such a thing as “specious reasoning”?
Specious reasoning sounds good, but it is deceptively flawed. Specious reasoning is everywhere, and usually used to advance agendas. In a post-modern world in which everyone is allowed to have their own truth objective thinking is hard to find.
What is speculative reasoning?
Specious reasoning is any argument or analysis that has the apparent ring of truth or plausibility but is actually incomplete, deceptive, or even altogether fallacious. Such arguments are attractive because they are seemingly well-reasoned or factual.

What does specious mean?
Definition of specious 1 : having a false look of truth or genuineness : sophistic specious reasoning. 2 : having deceptive attraction or allure. 3 obsolete : showy.
What is specious example?
Specious is defined as something that looks right, or that looks attractive, but is not as it seems. An argument that seems correct only if you do not think about it very carefully is an example of a specious argument. adjective. 2. Seemingly well-reasoned, plausible or true, but actually fallacious.
What's a specious argument?
Definitions of specious argument. an argument that appears good at first view but is really fallacious. types: vicious circle. an argument that assumes that which is to be proved. straw man, strawman.
Can a person be specious?
from The Century Dictionary. Pleasing to the eye; externally fair or showy; appearing beautiful or charming; sightly; beautiful. Superficially fair, just, or correct; appearing well; apparently right; plausible; beguiling: as, specious reasoning; a specious argument; a specious person or book.
What is another word for specious?
What is another word for specious?deceptivefallaciousunsoundbeguilingdeceitfuldeceivingdeludingdelusivedelusoryplausible230 more rows
What is the opposite of specious?
Opposite of seemingly well-reasoned, plausible or true, but actually fallacious. aboveboard. forthright. nondeceptive. straightforward.
How do you use specious in a sentence?
Specious sentence exampleThis argument is rather specious than sound. ... William of Orange was not deceived by the specious temporizing of the king. ... But Mary had, under a specious pretext, recommenced to a slight extent the evil practice, and Elizabeth had gone a little further in the same direction.More items...
What is a claptrap mean?
pretentious nonsenseDefinition of claptrap (Entry 1 of 2) : pretentious nonsense : trash.
What is the difference between spurious and specious?
While we might use either word to modify argument, a spurious argument would be based on an illegitimate set of reasons, and a specious argument would be one that has an attractive appearance but is less plausible than it initially appears. Both kinds of arguments should be avoided.
What part of speech is specious?
(adjective)SPECIOUS (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.
What is a fallacious person?
adjective. intended to deceive. “fallacious testimony” synonyms: deceitful, fraudulent dishonest, dishonorable. deceptive or fraudulent; disposed to cheat or defraud or deceive.
What do you call an illogical person?
irrationalist: a person who acts or behaves irrationally, or who holds irrational beliefs. irrational: inconsistent with reason or logic; illogical; absurd; incapable of reasoning.
How do you use specious in a sentence?
Specious sentence exampleThis argument is rather specious than sound. ... William of Orange was not deceived by the specious temporizing of the king. ... But Mary had, under a specious pretext, recommenced to a slight extent the evil practice, and Elizabeth had gone a little further in the same direction.More items...
What is the sentence of spacious?
How to use Spacious in a sentence. This is a lovely home, so spacious and nicely decorated. Xander watched them both as they sat across from him in the spacious living area. The Roman Catholic church is a spacious building of the early 19th century.
What part of speech is specious?
(adjective)SPECIOUS (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.
What is the difference between spurious and specious?
While we might use either word to modify argument, a spurious argument would be based on an illegitimate set of reasons, and a specious argument would be one that has an attractive appearance but is less plausible than it initially appears. Both kinds of arguments should be avoided.
What does "selective" mean?
apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible: specious arguments.
Do mediocrities allow themselves to be dissuaded by specious obstacles?
The mediocrities allow themselves to be dissuaded by the specious obstacles—the great ones never.
What does "speciously" mean?
specious. ( ˈspiːʃəs) adj. 1. apparently correct or true, but actually wrong or false. 2. deceptively attractive in appearance. [C14 (originally: fair): from Latin speciōsus plausible, from speciēs outward appearance, from specere to look at] ˈspeciously adv. ˈspeciousness n.
What does "selective" mean?
1. Having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually fallacious: a specious argument.
What is the retention of the immediate past in a condition intermediate between sensation and image called?
This retention of the immediate past in a condition intermediate between sensation and image may be called "immediate memory." Everything belonging to it is included with sensation in what is called the " specious present." The specious present includes elements at all stages on the journey from sensation to image.
What is specious connection?
Definitions of specious. Any connection, no matter how specious, might be used to justify his incarceration and extend it. As such, it was of course vulnerable to the same variety of glibly undaunted and usually specious evaluations that any legitimate art object is.
What does "spee-shuhs" mean?
Specious is pronounced "SPEE-shuhs." Something that is specious is attractive in a deceptive way, and if you follow the word's etymology, you'll see why. In Middle English, this adjective meant "attractive," from Latin speciōsus "showy, beautiful," from speciēs "appearance, kind, sort." Latin speciēs is also the source of English species.
What is specious reasoning?
Specious reasoning typifies all of the seven forms of untruthfulness in that it: Often relies on out right lies. May cheat others out of benefits by giving advantage to others. Provides a way to deceive others. Encourages the specious person to deny their argumentation weakness and delude themselves and others.
Why are specious arguments attractive?
Such arguments are attractive because they are seemingly well-reasoned or factual. They can be deceptively persuasive. When an argument style is based on specious reasoning, it is called "Sophistry.". Specious reasoning typically accompanies arguments aimed at advancing personal agendas.
What is the disdain for evidence?
The disdain for evidence often arises as a natural consequence of anti-science or unappreciation of the nature of scientific thinking.
How to protect yourself from specious thinking?
How can you protect yourself from the specious thinking of others? First, check to make certain you are not just responding emotionally, agreeing because this is what you want to hear. Next, check to see what actual evidence is presented and the likelihood that it is reliable. Look for conflicts of interest and hidden agendas. Finally, try to think of alternative perspectives that have not been presented.
Why do people disdain science?
The disdain for evidence often arises as a natural consequence of anti-science or unappreciation of the nature of scientific thinking. Scientific thinking requires one to question even one’s own suppositions and opinions. Most assuredly, opinions need buttressing from objective evidence and verifiable truths. In a post-modern world in which everyone is allowed to have their own truth, such objective thinking is hard to find. Former Dean of Science at Texas A&M, Mack Prescott, once said to me, "Liberal arts courses are required in college because people think you can't be educated without them. I think that science courses should be required in college for the same reason."
Is logic useless if the premise is flawed?
The logic may be impeccable, but useless if the premise is flawed. This is a common rhetorical trap. Once you accept the premise of an argument, your positions have to be consistent with the premise, and you are thus constrained in what you can reasonably say about it. Syllogisms are frequent sources of flawed premises.
Is syllogism a flawed premises?
Syllogisms are frequent sources of flawed premises. One example is the inference that "kindness is praiseworthy" from the premises "every virtue is praiseworthy" and "kindness is a virtue.". This example is fine, because of the two premises, both are generally regarded as true.
What is specious argument?
Specious is defined as something that looks right, or that looks attractive, but is not as it seems. An argument that seems correct only if you do not think about it very carefully is an example of a specious argument. adjective. 3.
What does "seeming to be good" mean?
Seeming to be good, sound, correct, logical, etc. without really being so; plausible but not genuine.
What does "attractive" mean?
Having an attractive appearance intended to generate a favorable response; deceptively attractive.
