Catch 22

From SkepticWiki

1 Definition
2 Examples
3 Discussion
4 Exceptions to the Rule
5 Related Links
6 Further Reading

[edit] Definition

Catch 22 is a system of arguments such that, while each argument is defensible, when taken as a whole, the result is indefensible.

[edit] Examples

Example 1:

1) You can stop flying combat missions if you are mentally incompetent.

2) Wanting to stop flying combat missions means you are mentally competent.

3) Therefore, no one can stop flying combat missions.

Example 2:

1) No one will hire you as an automobile mechanic unless you have experience fixing automobiles.

2) The only way to get experience fixing automobiles is to work as an automobile mechanic.

3) Therefore, you can never be hired as an automobile mechanic.

[edit] Discussion

The Catch 22 is widely used in legislation.

A notable example of the Catch 22 in US law is The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Ostensibly, this act provides for a tax of $1 per ounce of Cannabis sativa or any product derived therefrom, as well as annual fees between $1 and $24 for such activities. It includes, however, a maze of bureaucratic procedures that are in practice impossible to follow and violate physician/patient confidentiality. Failure to follow these procedures can result in a fine of up to $2000 and imprisonment of up to five years. Effectively, therefore, the The Marihuana Tax Act made the importation, production, and transfer of marijuana illegal.