Fwd: Bad Conclusions

[Guest guest]

I received this today from a list to which I subscribe, and I thought it

quite applicable here. Smiles are allowed.

>Below are a few examples of bad reasoning causing bad

>conclusions. Though humorous, the principles are based in truth.

>

>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 IDIOTS:

>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!

>

>OVERAPPLICATION OF OCCAM'S RAZOR (WHICH SAYS 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 stupid.

>

>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.

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IRA L. JACOBSON

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