Logically Fallacious: The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies (Academic Edition) (Dr. Bo's Critical Thinking Series)

by Bo Bennett

Regression Fallacy (also known as: regressive fallacy) Description: Ascribing a cause where none exists in situations where natural fluctuations exist while failing to account for these natural fluctuations. Logical Form: B occurred after A (although B naturally fluctuates). Therefore, A caused B. Example #1: I had a real bad headache, then saw my doctor. Just by talking with him, my headache started to subside, and I was all better the next day. It was well worth the $200 visit fee. Explanation: Headaches are a part of life, and naturally come and go on their own with varying degrees of pain. They regress to the mean on their own, the “mean” being a normal state of no pain, with or without medical or chemical intervention. Had the person seen a gynecologist instead, the headache would have still subsided, and it would have been a much more interesting visit—especially if he were a man. Example #2: After surgery, my wife was not doing too well—she was in a lot of pain. I bought these magnetic wristbands that align with the body’s natural vibrations to reduce the pain, and sure enough, a few days later the pain subsided! Thank you magic wristbands!