post hoc
Definition
- Noun:
- The logical fallacy of believing that temporal succession implies a causal relation: The error in reasoning that occurs when one assumes that because one event happened after another, the first event must have caused the second. This is also known formally as post hoc ergo propter hoc, a Latin phrase meaning "after this, therefore because of this."
Usage
- This term is used primarily in formal, academic, or critical discussions about logic, argumentation, statistics, and research methodology. It identifies a specific and common flaw in causal reasoning.
Examples
- Noun:
- The argument that the rooster's crowing causes the sunrise is a classic example of a post hoc fallacy.
- Just because you took a vitamin and then felt better doesn't prove it worked; that could be a post hoc conclusion.
- Researchers must design studies to control for confounding variables and avoid post hoc reasoning.
Advanced Usage
- "post hoc analysis": In research, this refers to an analysis performed after data is collected, often to look for patterns that were not the primary focus of the study. While sometimes necessary, such analyses can be prone to the fallacy if causal claims are made without proper controls.
- The post hoc analysis suggested a correlation, but the study was not designed to test for causation.
- "post hoc justification": The act of creating a rationale for a decision or belief after it has already been formed or occurred.
- His explanation sounded like a post hoc justification for a choice he had already made.
Variants and Related Words
- Post hoc ergo propter hoc (Latin phrase): The full name of the logical fallacy.
- Cum hoc ergo propter hoc (Latin phrase): A related fallacy meaning "with this, therefore because of this," which confuses correlation with causation.
- False cause: A broader category of logical fallacies that includes the fallacy.
Synonyms
- Post hoc fallacy: The most common synonym.
- False cause fallacy: A more general synonym.
- Sequential fallacy: A less common descriptive term.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "Correlation does not imply causation": This is the fundamental principle violated by the fallacy. It is a common phrase used to caution against this type of erroneous reasoning.
- Remember, correlation does not imply causation; that's just a post hoc assumption.
Noun
-
the logical fallacy of believing that temporal succession implies a causal relation
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