Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
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[edit] Definition
The Post hoc fallacy is an informal logical fallacy (also known by the Latin post hoc ergo propter hoc "It happened after therefore it was caused by") where a participant invalidly assumes that because an observed phenomenon happened after another observed phenomenon, therefore one phenomenon caused the other. This is a type of Incorrect Cause fallacy.
[edit] Examples
CAT, Rapture Ready|Rapture Ready Forum:
- "I had a very annoying squirrel who had gotten into my attic somehow... Anyway, I was really worrying about how I was going to get this squirrel out... I just said oh Lord, what am I going to do about this squirrel?... Well to my surprise, God answered me and said 'speak to it and tell it to leave'... I said Squirrel, In the name of Jesus I command you to take your nest and leave and not return... And do you know what? I've never heard that squirrel again since... it's gone!" [1]
[edit] Discussion
Of all the fallacies in logic seen on the JREF forum this is one of the most frequently used to justify belief in unlikely propositions.
