Non sequitur (logic) facts for kids
"Non sequitur" (pronounced non SEK-wi-tur) is a Latin phrase that means "it does not follow." It's used to describe a type of bad argument, also called a fallacy, where the conclusion just doesn't make sense based on what was said before.
Imagine someone says something that everyone agrees is true. Then, they use that true statement to try and prove something else. The problem with a non sequitur is that the second part, the conclusion, has nothing to do with the first part, even if the first part is true.
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What is a Non Sequitur?
A non sequitur argument often sounds convincing at first. It takes a statement that seems correct and tries to connect it to a conclusion that isn't logically related. The conclusion simply "does not follow" from the starting idea.
How to Spot It
To spot a non sequitur, ask yourself: "Does the conclusion truly come from the information given?" If the answer is no, then it's likely a non sequitur. The two parts of the argument might both be true on their own, but one doesn't lead to the other.
Example of a Non Sequitur
Let's look at an example:
- Knowledge is power, so stupid people can never have power.
Here's why this is a non sequitur:
- Part 1: "Knowledge is power." Many people agree with this idea.
- Part 2: "So stupid people can never have power." This conclusion doesn't logically follow.
- First, even people who aren't considered "smart" can still know things.
- Second, knowledge isn't the only way to get power. For example, someone might have power because they are very rich, or because they are in charge of a big company, or because they are elected to a position. These types of power don't always depend on how much knowledge a person has.
This argument tries to use a generally accepted statement ("Knowledge is power") as a reason for a new idea that isn't a logical result of it.
Why Non Sequiturs are Tricky
Non sequiturs can be tricky because they often use a true statement as their starting point. This makes them sound reasonable. However, the jump from the true statement to the conclusion is where the mistake happens. It's like saying, "The sky is blue, so all birds can fly." The sky being blue is true, but it has nothing to do with whether birds can fly!
Understanding non sequiturs helps you think more clearly and spot weak arguments. It's an important part of critical thinking.
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