Formal Fallacy: Affirming the Consequent
'If A then B; B; therefore A.' The outcome occurred, so the claimed cause must have — the logic behind most testimonials, most post-mortems and most 'it worked for them'.
An everyday example
'Companies that use our platform grow fast; you want to grow fast; so use our platform' — growing companies may buy platforms, not the reverse.
What it can cost you
Inferring causes from outcomes; attributing success to whatever the seller sells.
Warning signs
- The proof is that the outcome happened.
- Success stories are the only evidence.
One thing to do
Ask what else produces B; if several things do, B tells you little about A.
Is this happening to you right now?
Describe your situation and get a read across all six brains. No account needed.
Check my situationRelated
Not medical, legal or financial advice. How Decision IQ works
One decision idea a week
One useful idea. No daily drip, no pressure.