Tabla de Contenidos
Within logic studies, fallacies are arguments that seem valid but that due to different errors in their behavior turn out to be deceptions. These deceptions can be used intentionally to appear to be right in a speech or discussion, since sometimes it is not easy to identify them easily.
The fallacy does not necessarily imply the use of lies. The premises that make up a fallacious argument may be true, but the way they are used or conjugated is incorrect, and that is how the deception originates.
Hasty generalization consists of wrongly inferring a conclusion without having sufficient logical evidence for it. Thus, a conclusion is taken as an absolute truth based on little proof or evidence. Phrases like “everyone likes ice cream” and “running is good for your health” are examples of hasty generalizations. We can always find someone who does not like to eat ice cream, so the generalization is incorrect. In the case of the exercise example, a person with knee problems will not find relief in running; What’s more, his health can be negatively affected by running.
The sample dilemma
Having a large sample, consistent with the conclusion drawn, is not necessarily a method to validate generalizations. Most scientific and health studies try to include as many individuals as possible in their sample so that their results are broader and more generalizable. However, when publishing their results they should always specify that the scope of their results is limited to the conditions of the population used.
For this reason we often read that these studies describe their participants in great detail: age, gender, the region in which they live, their educational level, daily activities, diet, and many other variables. What is taken into account will depend on the type of study carried out and its conditions.
The generalization bias
A very common way to fall into the fallacy of generalization is due to the use of a biased sample. If, for example, on the opening day of a film that belongs to a famous trilogy, a poll is carried out among viewers and it is concluded that everyone loved the film and that it is therefore a success, one could be falling into a fallacy of generalization, since it would be expected that those attending the premiere are already dedicated followers of the trilogy.
The problem of bias can also occur in those polls in which participation is voluntary, such as those that are online or by telephone. In this case, only those people with the motivation to carry out the survey would be part of the sample. This behavior would leave out all those people for whom the topic is not relevant and whose opinion could drastically alter the results.
The stereotypes
A well-known way of generalizing is stereotyping. When a group of people share certain characteristics or qualities, they tend to think that they will also behave or think in the same way. Stereotypes are often negative generalizations and can only be overcome through critical thinking and personal reasoning.
References:
Shulman, M. (2020) Love is a fallacy . Available at: https://decsa.uchile.cl/wp-content/uploads/AmorComoFalacia.pdf
Damborenea, R. (2000). Dictionary of fallacies . Available at: http://tribunalsuperiordecucuta.gov.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/DICCIONARIO-DE-FALACIAS.pdf
