| Fallacy | False Cause or Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc (with this, therefore because of this) |
|---|---|
| Definition and Examples | A causes B (without real proof that this causal relationship actually exists). This causal relationship is often claimed when there is correlation between A and B (that they vary together) or a relatively distant causal connection. Cause-and-effect reasoning is a valid form of rational logic, but only if the causal relationship is established. It is very easy to find that two things vary together and assume cause-and-effect, but this only proves correlation. It may be, for example, that both are effects of a prior common cause. Causal arguments are often wishful thinking, where the speaker is seeking to prove their case, and hopes (as with other fallacies) that their causal assertion is not challenged. |
Tags: fallacies
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: Events likelihood quantity conjunction fallacy occur separately overlap
Previous card: X ad antiquitatem claim well-established proven traditional change
Up to card list: Obscure but useful english vocab, logical fallacies and CBT