Logical fallacy #1: The hasty generalization

Definition: Making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate (usually because it is atypical or too small). Stereotypes about people (“librarians are shy and smart,” “wealthy people are snobs,” etc.) are a common example of the principle underlying the hasty generalization. In order to be a logical fallacy, the speaker or writer must be building an argument based on their assumption.

Examples:

Below are two examples of hasty generalizations brought by students in our class.

A. Fabielis writes that an "example of a hasty generalization may be the erroneous thought that all people in the Middle East are Muslims or terrorists."

Let's break that down and see how it works.

Unfortunately, racial profiling of Muslims and people from the Middle East, as well as others, seems to have become a kind of policy in the United States. 

It seems that the implicit argument made by the government (for example) is that "we have to treat certain people as potential terrorists to keep the public safe." 

It is useful to see how this thought process works so that we can more effectively argue against stereotyping and injustice. 

The logical fallacy would go something like this:

1. Some Muslim people committed a terrorist act.

2. Therefore, all Muslims are potential terrorists.

3. Because all Muslims are potential terrorists, we need to racially profile people who look Muslim in airports.

Because you know about the hasty generalization, you can see the flaw in logic between #1 and #2. Therefore, you can see how #3 is based on a faulty premise.

B. Angelys writes, "I have an example of a hasty generalization, which I’m currently hearing way too much. People, adults and seniors in my experience, are saying that the anti-vaxxers of the COVID-19 vaccine are all teenagers--that the teenagers are the problem nowadays and the reason why we still can’t get back to normal. To me, this seems like an excellent example of Hasty Generalization because obviously it is not all teenagers. It feels unfair to vaccinated teenagers who do take care of their health and their family's health to make such comments and assumptions without any knowledge of reality." 

The argument is in bold: "Teenagers are the problem nowadays and the reason we can't get back to normal."

Thank you, Fabielis and Angelys!

Tip: As you think and write, ask yourself what kind of “sample” you're using. Are you relying on the opinions or experiences of just a few people, or your own experience in just a few situations? If so, consider whether you need more evidence, or perhaps a less sweeping conclusion. 

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