Bad Conclusions


Below are a few examples of bad reasoning causing bad conclusions.

Though humorous, the principles are based in truth.

IGNORING THE ADVICE OF EXPERTS WITHOUT GOOD REASON:
Example: Sure, the experts say you shouldn't ride a bicycle in
the eye of a hurricane, but I have my own theory.

FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF KNOWN IDIOTS:
Example: Uncle Horace says eating pork makes you smarter.
That's good enough for me.

REACHING BIZARRE CONCLUSIONS WITHOUT ANY INFORMATION:
Example: My car won't start. I'm certain the spark
plugs have been stolen by rogue clowns.

FAULTY PATTERN RECOGNITION:
Example: His last six wives were murdered mysteriously.
I hope to be wife number seven.

FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE WHAT'S IMPORTANT:
Example: My house is on fire!
Quick, call the post office and tell them to hold my mail!

OVERAPPLICATION OF OCCAM'S RAZOR (WHICH SAYS THE
SIMPLEST EXPLANATION MUST BE CORRECT):
Example: The simplest explanation for the moon landings is that
they were hoaxes. (maybe?)

INABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THAT SOME THINGS HAVE MULTIPLE CAUSES:
Example: The Beatles were popular for one reason only:
they were good singers.

PROOF BY LACK OF EVIDENCE:
Example: I've never seen you drunk,
so you must be one of those Amish people.

BLINDING FLASHES OF THE OBVIOUS:
Example: If everyone had more money, we could eliminate poverty.

BLAMING THE TOOL:
Example: I bought an encyclopedia, but I'm still stupid.

TAKING THINGS TO THEIR ILLOGICAL CONCLUSION:
Example: If you let your barber cut your hair, the next thing
you know he'll be lopping your limbs off.

JUDGING THE WHOLE BY ONE OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS:
Example: The sun causes sunburns.
Therefore, the planet would be better off without the sun.