Fallacy: Genetic Fallacy
A Genetic Fallacy is a line of "reasoning" in which a
perceived defect in the origin of a claim or thing is taken to be
evidence that discredits the claim or thing itself. It is also a line of
reasoning in which the origin of a claim or thing is taken to be
evidence for the claim or thing. This sort of "reasoning" has
the following form:
It is clear that sort of "reasoning" is fallacious. For
example: "Bill claims that 1+1=2. However, my parents brought me up
to believe that 1+1=254, so Bill must be wrong."
It should be noted that there are some cases in which the origin of a
claim is relevant to the truth or falsity of the claim. For example, a
claim that comes from a reliable expert is likely to be true (provided
it is in her area of expertise).
[
Previous
|
Index
|
Next
]
Home ·
Site Map ·
What's New? ·
Search
Nizkor
© The Nizkor Project, 1991-2012
This site is intended for educational purposes to teach about the Holocaust and
to combat hatred.
Any statements or excerpts found on this site are for educational purposes only.
As part of these educational purposes, Nizkor may
include on this website materials, such as excerpts from the writings of racists and antisemites. Far from approving these writings, Nizkor condemns them and
provides them so that its readers can learn the nature and extent of hate and antisemitic discourse. Nizkor urges the readers of these pages to condemn racist
and hate speech in all of its forms and manifestations.
Description of Genetic Fallacy
Examples of Genetic Fallacy