Post Hoc Fallacy
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
Post hoc fallacy assumes that because one event followed another, the first caused the second.
Post hoc fallacy assumes that because one event followed another, the first caused the second.
Why it is a fallacy
A claim needs evidence that connects the reasons to the conclusion. This fallacy skips that connection or replaces it with a shortcut.
Examples
- I wore my lucky socks and we won, so the socks caused it.
- After the policy change, sales dropped, so the policy caused it.
- He took a supplement and felt better, so it cured him.
How to respond
- Ask for evidence of a causal mechanism.
- Consider other factors that could explain the outcome.
- Look for controlled comparisons or repeated patterns.
Related fallacies
FAQ
How is post hoc different from false cause?
Post hoc is a specific type of false cause based on timing.
What proves causation?
Mechanisms, controls, and consistent evidence across cases.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)