World PhiloMathematics & Design Society

The faulty comparison fallacy, also known as the Incomplete Comparison, false equivalence or apples-to-oranges comparison, is a common logical error that occurs when individuals compare two things that are not truly comparable. This fallacy can lead to misleading conclusions or false equivalences, as it overlooks significant differences and nuances. This fallacy is prevalent in various areas, where people often use comparisons to make arguments or justify their positions.  It's crucial in serious discourse to make complete and contextual comparisons to ensure accurate and reliable information.  Examples : In science , one might claim that a certain medication is superior without providing a comparison to other medications or considering all side effects.  Comparing the speed of two different chemical reactions without accounting for temperature and pressure conditions.  In physiology , a faulty comparison might arise when comparing the efficacy of two drugs without considering the

The genetic fallacy is a logical fallacy that occurs when the origin or history of a belief or idea is used to determine its validity or truth. This fallacy asserts that the origins of a belief or idea somehow invalidate its legitimacy, which is not logically sound. Instead of evaluating the merit of the belief or idea itself, the genetic fallacy relies on irrelevant factors to dismiss it.   Examples: Dismissing a scientific theory because the scientist who proposed it has a controversial personal background is a classic example of this fallacy.  Discrediting a research study or its results because it comes from a lesser-known college, which overlooks the validity of the argument by focusing on the source's prestige rather than its intellectual merit.  In physiology , one might commit a genetic fallacy by dismissing a new exercise regimen simply because it was developed by a relatively unknown trainer, ignoring the regimen's potential benefits. In medicine, it could manifest as

The irrelevant conclusion fallacy, also known as ignoratio elenchi, Red Herring, or Missing the Point is a logical misstep where the argument presented fails to address the main issue or question at hand. Instead, it diverts attention to an unrelated topic. This can be particularly misleading in fields that rely heavily on evidence-based conclusions. Examples: In physiology , one might argue that because a particular diet leads to weight loss, it will also increase longevity; however, this conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premise.  In medicine , a drug might be promoted for its efficacy in treating a particular symptom, but this does not address its overall safety profile or potential side effects.  In the realm of pharmacy , a medication's popularity or widespread use is sometimes cited as evidence of its effectiveness, which is a clear example of the irrelevant conclusion fallacy since popularity does not equate to efficacy. In dentistry , the aesthetic outcome of

The Fallacy of the Maturity of Chances, also known as the Gambler's Fallacy, is a cognitive bias that occurs when individuals believe that future outcomes will be influenced by past events, despite the events being independent of each other.  It is a common misconception that arises from the incorrect belief that if something happens more frequently than normal during a given period, it will happen less frequently in the future, or vice versa. This fallacy is based on the mistaken belief that there is a pattern or trend that will eventually reverse itself, leading individuals to make poor decisions based on this faulty reasoning.  Examples: In the medical field, if a particular treatment yields positive results in several consecutive patients, one might fallaciously infer that it will be less effective in the next patient, ignoring the randomness of treatment outcomes. In physiology , this fallacy might manifest in the belief that after a string of successful surgeries, a failure i