Definitions of Causal Fallacies

Question 1

Insufficient Cause

Answer 1

In a cause-effect relationship, the “cause” which, by itself, is not strong enough to merit its effect. The insufficiency may lie: A) In the distance between asserted cause and effect or B) in the conjunction or inappropriateness of relating cause and effects from different categories of experience.

Question 2

Multiple Causation

Answer 2

Occurs when one asserts that there is only a single cause of a problem, when in fact, most problems have many causative agencies working together. Committed when: A) The advocate asserts that a partial cause is the only cause or B) If the advocate asserts a simple solution to a complex solution.

Question 3

Post Hoc, (Ergo Propter Hoc)

Answer 3

“After the fact, therefore, because of the fact.” There is always a linear, chronological relationship between cause and effect. However, post hoc occurs when an advocate claims that a cause-effect relationship exists between two phenomena simply because the two occur sequentially in time.

Question 4

Substitution of Sign for Cause

Answer 4

The advocate establishes a single relationship between two phenomena A and B, but then asserts that A causes B.

**Correlation is not causation!