Hasty Generalization

From EvoWiki

This page is part of the EvoWiki encyclopedia of fallacies. Browse: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Contents 1 Synonyms 2 Explanation 3 External Links 4 Examples in creationist arguments

Synonyms

• A dicto secundum quid ad dictum simpliciter
• Unrepresentative sample

Explanation

This fallacy is committed when a person draws a conclusion about a population based on a sample that is not large enough to give an accurate estimate about the population. It has the following form:

  1. Sample S, which is too small, is taken from population P.
  2. Conclusion C is drawn about Population P based on S.

External Links

• The Nizkor Project [1]
• Fallacy Files [2]

Examples in creationist arguments

• Many current scientists reject evolution