FALSE CAUSE – is an argument that treats as the cause of a thing something that is

not really the cause

2 Forms:

 Non causa pro causa  to mistake what is not the cause of a given effect as
the real cause

 Post hoc ergo propter hoc  to infer that one event is the cause of another
merely because the first occurs earlier than the other

 B comes after A (post hoc)

Therefore, (ergo),
B comes because of A (propter hoc).

Examples:

1.

2.

Other examples of post hoc:

  The Republicans pass a new tax reform law that benefits wealthy Americans.
Shortly thereafter the economy takes a nosedive. The Democrats claim that
the tax reform caused the economic woes and they push to get rid of it.

 Del Pilar v. Eastern Airlines Inc.

NON SEQUITUR (It does not follow) – an argument that contains a conclusion that
does not necessarily follow from the premises or any antecedent statement offered
in its support

Claim A is made.
Evidence is presented for Claim A.
Therefore, claim C is true.

Difference between post hoc and non sequitur: the first lacks a causal connection
while the second lacks a logical connection.

Examples:

1. People generally like to walk on the beach. Beaches have sand. Therefore,
having sand floors in homes would be a great idea.

2. Greenhouse gasses contribute to global warming. Humans contribute to

greenhouse production. Humans are solely to blame for global warming.

3. United States v. Williams

- Witnesses who testified that Williams was with them on

November 19, 1974, recalled that the occasion was a birthday
party for Nathaniel.
- Nathaniel’s birthday, as provided by his birth certificate, was
November 19th.
- Therefore, the birth certificate supports the witnesses’ recollection
that they were at a party with Williams on November 19 th.

4.