What is the Furtive Fallacy? The Furtive Fallacy involves attributing someone’s actions or decisions to a hidden or secret agenda, rather than considering alternative explanations. This fallacy leads us to infer motives that may not exist, and can be used to discredit or attack others unfairly. Examples: Why is this fallacy so common? The Furtive […]
Fallacies: Fallacy of Single Cause (Causal Oversimplification)
What is the Fallacy of Single Cause? The Fallacy of Single Cause involves attributing a complex outcome to a single cause, while disregarding other potential contributing factors. This fallacy leads us to oversimplify complex problems and overlook the interplay between various influences. Examples: Why is this fallacy so common? The Fallacy of Single Cause is […]
Fallacies: Ignoring a Common Cause Fallacy
What is the Ignoring a Common Cause Fallacy? The Ignoring a Common Cause Fallacy involves failing to consider the presence of a common underlying factor that may be driving the relationship between two events or variables. This fallacy leads us to assume a direct causal link between the two events, when in fact, they are […]
Fallacies: Wrong Direction (Reverse Causation)
What is the Reverse Causation Fallacy? The Reverse Causation Fallacy, also known as the “Effect-Cause Fallacy”, involves reversing the direction of causality between two events or variables. In other words, we mistakenly believe that the outcome of an event (the effect) is actually what causes it to happen. Examples: Why is this fallacy so common? […]
Fallacies: Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
What is the Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc Fallacy? Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc is Latin for “after this, therefore because of this”. This fallacy involves assuming a causal relationship between two events or variables based solely on their temporal sequence. In other words, we mistakenly conclude that one event causes the other simply because […]
Fallacies: Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc Fallacy
What is the Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc Fallacy? Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc is Latin for “with this, therefore because of this”. This fallacy involves assuming a causal relationship between two events or variables based solely on their temporal coincidence. In other words, we mistakenly conclude that one event causes the other simply because […]
Fallacies: Questionable Cause
A great topic in critical thinking! The Questionable Cause Fallacy is a type of reasoning error that occurs when we attribute a particular cause to an event or phenomenon without sufficientevidence or justification. What is the Questionable Cause Fallacy? The Questionable Cause Fallacy involves assuming a causal relationship between two events or variables without adequate […]
Fallacies: Thought Terminating Cliché
What is the Thought-Terminating Cliché Fallacy? The Thought-Terminating Cliché Fallacy involves using a clichéd phrase or expression to prematurely end discussion, sidestep nuance, or avoid grappling with the complexities of an issue. This fallacy can lead to shallow thinking, poor decision-making, and unjustified conclusions. Examples: Why do we fall prey to Thought-Terminating Clichés? Several cognitive […]
Fallacies: Overwhelming Exception Fallacy
What is the Overwhelming Exception Fallacy? The Overwhelming Exception Fallacy involves exaggerating the significance, prevalence, or importance of an exceptional case, making it seem more typical than it actually is. This fallacy canlead to distorted perceptions, poor decision-making, and unjustified conclusions. Examples: Why do we fall prey to Overwhelming Exception? Several cognitive biases contribute to […]
Fallacies: Misleading Vividness
What is the Misleading Vividness Fallacy? The Misleading Vividness Fallacy involves mistaking the vividness or memorability of an event or piece of information for its importance, relevance, or probability. This fallacy can lead todistorted perceptions, poor decision-making, and inaccurate judgments. Examples: Why do we fall prey to Misleading Vividness? Several cognitive biases contribute to this […]