EXERCISE 12: False Cause Fallacies

Identify the fallacy that occurs in each passage.

These will be False Cause fallacies: Arcane Explanation, Non Causa Pro Causa, Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc, Hypothesis Contrary to Fact, and Gambler's Fallacy.

 

1. Shortly after I washed my car it decided to rain. I should save a fortune in water bills! Next time I need to water the garden, I'll just give my car another washing.

answer

 

2. It's a good thing I decided to go out with my friends that night. If I hadn't, I never would have met you, my darling.

answer

 

3. Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine. This was no accident.

answer

 

4. Frederick was born in leap year, on the 29th of February, owing to the agency of an ill-natured fairy.

answer

 

5. Three ladies in this office have gotten pregnant in the past month. Perhaps there is something in the water.

answer

 

WELCOME                     EXPLANATION OF PRINCIPLES                                     TABLE OF FALLACIES                        EXERCISES                     INDEX