What is a "fallacy"?

A "fallacy" refers to an incorrect belief or idea, making it synonymous with a flawed argument or reasoning that often leads to misunderstandings. It highlights a deficiency in logical reasoning or evidence, which can mislead people into adopting false conclusions. This term is frequently employed in discussions about logic, debates, and critical thinking to denote an error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument.

In contrast, a well-supported argument represents sound reasoning and valid conclusions based on strong evidence. A statement that is proven to be true is a definitive assertion backed by substantial proof, while a concrete fact refers to verifiable information that is indisputable. These alternatives do not capture the essence of a fallacy, which specifically denotes a misconception rather than a valid or true assertion.