How to Spot an Argumentative Fallacy
2. Correlation is not Causation (Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc)
Causation is complex. Numerous factors contribute to any occurrence. When two things occur in close proximity to each other, it is easy to assume they are directly related. Even if there is some relation, however, it is wrong to assume causation, as any number of other factors can also be cited. Correlation does not prove causation. “There are more video games today, and more kids than ever are being diagnosed with ADD. Video games are shortening children’s attention spans.” You can certainly prove there are more video games today than in any past generation. You can also prove that ADD diagnoses are up. These two things alone do not prove causation.
