The What If Fallacy, often referred to as the ‘hypothetical fallacy,’ occurs when someone argues against a position by proposing an improbable or unlikely scenario without evidence. This type of reasoning diverts attention from the actual argument or evidence presented and shifts the discussion to unlikely situations.
For instance, if someone argues for the benefits of a public health program, a What If Fallacy would be saying, ‘What if this program leads to increased taxes?’ This response does not address the merits of the program itself but rather presents a hypothetical concern that may or may not be relevant.
Such fallacies can be problematic in discussions and debates as they derail productive conversation by introducing speculative fears rather than focusing on factual evidence and logical reasoning. It’s essential to recognize this fallacy to maintain a grounded and rational discussion.