Causal Fallacies

Disciplines > Argument > Fallacies >  Fallacies

One of the key ways we persuade is by demonstrating cause, that A causes B. When cause is used within an argument, yet there is something wrong with it, then we are committing a causal fallacy.

• Begging the Question: Circular reasoning to prove assumed premise.
• False Cause: A causes B (but no proof).
• False Effect: A is assumed to cause B. B is proven wrong, so A is wrong.
• Insignificance: Making a minor cause seem major.
• Post Hoc: X follows Y. Therefore X is caused by Y.
• Slippery Slope: Loosely connected statements with ridiculous conclusion.

See also