Bad Conclusions
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 Oddball:
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!
CONCLUDING THAT 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 not intelligent.
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.
Originally published December 07, 2004.
