Fallacy of the Single Cause
Other Names
Description
It is assumed that there is one, simple cause of an outcome when in reality it may have been caused by a number of only jointly sufficient causes.
Example
- I've lost ten pounds since I started using HexatrimTM weight loss supplements. This stuff works great!
- You also improved your diet, started going to the gym three times per week, and sleeping more. I'm not sure the supplements had anything to do with it.
Famous Examples
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America thrived in the 20th century because we made high school free. We sent a generation to college. We cultivated the most educated workforce in the world.
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I'm glad now, at age 66, that I never used alcohol or tobacco... I've buried a lot of friends who used tobacco or alcohol.
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My upbringing in Canada made me the person I am. I will always be proud to be a Canadian.
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How could I be sleeping with this particular man.... Surely only true love could justify my lack of taste.Context: Lady Oracle -
Thank you for calling the White House. Unfortunately, we cannot answer your call today because congressional Democrats are holding government funding, including funding for our troops and other national security priorities, hostage to an unrelated immigration debate. Due to this obstruction, the government is shut down.
(White House voicemail message)
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