GARBLED CAUSE AND EFFECT

Question 1

Assuming there’s only one explanation for the observation you’re making. “Marriage often results in the birth of children. So that’s the reason why it exists.”

Answer 1

Affirming the Consequent

Question 2

A conclusion is derived from a premise based on the conclusion. “Stripping privacy rights only matter to those with something to hide. You must have something to hide if you oppose privacy protection.”

Answer 2

Circular logic

Question 3

Assuming that if one wrong is committed, another wrong will cancel it out. “Sure – the conditions in this prison are cruel and dehumanizing. But theses inmates are criminals!”

Answer 3

Two Wrongs Make a Right

Question 4

Claiming two events that occur together must have a cause-and-effect relationship. (Correlation = cause) “Teenagers in gangs listen to rap music with violent themes. Rap music inspires violence in teenagers.”

Answer 4

Cum Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

Question 5

Claiming one vent must have caused the other when a third (unlooked for) event probably the cause. “We have the 60s sexual revolution, and now people are dying of AIDS.”

Answer 5

Ignoring a Common Cause

Question 6

There isn’t only one explanation from an outcome. So it’s false to assume the cause based on the effect. “If you get a degree, you’ll get a good job. If you don’t get a degree, you won’t get a good job.”

Answer 6

Denying the Antecedent

Question 7

Claiming that because one event followed another, it was also caused by it. “Since the election of the President more people than ever are unemployed. Therefore the President has damaged the economy.”

Answer 7

Post Hoc Ergo Propter hoc