Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

affirming the consequent

Noun

/əˈfɜrmɪŋ ðə kənˈsikwənt/

Definition

A logical fallacy that occurs when one assumes that a specific cause is true because a related effect is observed.

Examples

If it is raining, then the ground is wet. The ground is wet, therefore it is raining.
In an argument, affirming the consequent can lead to incorrect conclusions.

Meaning

This term refers to a reasoning error where an argument posits that if a condition is true, then its consequence must also be true, even if it is not necessarily the only explanation.