Inductive Fallacies Flashcards
Chapter 7
What are Inductive Fallacies?
Premises fail to raise the probability of its conclusion
Generalizations
Lack of specificity and supported by inadequate reasoning
Generalizing from too few cases (Hasty Generalization)
Frequently occurs when one tries to derive a statement about members of a population from a tiny sample
Generalizing from exceptional cases
Arriving at a conclusion by citing an atypical supporting case
Generalization: Accident
Assuming a general statement applies to a specific case
Weak Analogy
Argument based on unimportant similarities between things
Mistaken Appeal To Authority
Commonly occurs when authority in one field or discipline is assumed to be authority in another unrelated field or discipline
Mistaken Appeal to Popularity
Speaker treats issue as if it can be settled by public opinion
Popularity: Bandwagon
Speaker tries to convince someone to do something by suggesting most are doing it too
Popularity: Mistaken Appeal to Common Practice
Speaker tries to justify certain practice on the grounds that it is traditional or customary
Cause & Effect
Assume timing of two variables is sufficient to assume cause-and-effect relationship
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
“After this, therefore because of it”, assumes consecutive events caused the other
Overlooking Possibility of Coincidence
Failing to recognize sequential events were simply coincidental
Overlooking Possible Common Cause
Failing to recognize two events may just be the effects of one similar cause
Overlooking Possibility of Random Variation
Ignoring fact that variables fluctuate randomly, assuming random fluctuation is due to causation
Overlooking Possibility of Regression
Ignoring fact that, if average value of variable is atypical on one measurement, it is likely to be less atypical on subsequent measurement
Cum Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
“With this, therefore because of it”, assumes two events happening at the same time caused one another
Overlooking Possibility of Coincidence (2)
Failing to recognize sequential events were simply coincidental
Overlooking Possible Common Cause (2)
Failing to recognize two events may just be the effects of one similar cause
Overlooking Possibility of Reverse Causation
Ignoring possibility of cause being effect and vice versa
Anecdote (Casual Variety)
Speaker supports claim by telling a story
Slippery Slope
Rests on unsupported warning that is controversial and tendentious
Untestable Explanation
One offers evidence that cannot be tested even in principle (circular)
