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Fallacy of Accident: Logic Definition
Logic Section



Fallacy of Accident

classification : informal, deductive – fallacies involving statistical syllogisms

A principle that holds true as a general rule applied to a specific case that is unusual or atypical.

Foundations

Involves reasoning with rules of thumb. The difference between rules of thumb and universal generalizations, is that the former have exceptions.

Examples

It is good to return things you have borrowed. Therefore, you should return an automatic rifle to the madman from whom it was borrowed.

The U.S. is a true democracy; therefore, children and criminals should be allowed to vote.

Other Names:

Destroying the Exception

Sweeping Generalization

Poisoning the Well