Non sequitur
Term | Definition |
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Non sequitur |
A set of statements leads to conclusion X. Yet conclusion Y is drawn. An argument is given from which a perfectly valid and sound conclusion may be drawn, yet the stated conclusion is something else. Examples:
Sometimes this fallacy is used by people who want to prove something but do not know how, so they use any argument and then tack their desired conclusion on to the end. This is something that politicians often do. This is effective persuasion when the listener does not work through the logic of the argument and is persuaded simply by the fact that some kind of argument is being used (as opposed to the conclusion being given as a simple statement). This can be encouraged by speaking with passion and apparent authority. Synonyms:
ignoratio elenchi, ignorance of refutation, irrelevant conclusion, missing the point
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