9. Question 12

Read the following argument and answer the question that follows.

Ever since I’ve been taking this new honey, I’ve had more energy, my focus has been incredible, and my hair has never been so glossy. There’s only one reasonable conclusion: this honey has changed my life.

It is not always obvious whether an argument is fallacious. Discuss whether or not the argument above contains a fallacy. In your answer you must include

• a definition of a fallacy
• an explanation of a fallacy that might be contained in the argument
• reasons why some people may think this argument contains that fallacy
• reasons why some people may think this argument does not contain that fallacy.


*** GPT says ***

A fallacy is an error in reasoning that results in an argument that is not logically sound. Fallacies can occur in any type of argument, and they can be intentional or unintentional.

One fallacy that might be contained in the argument above is the fallacy of post hoc ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this). This fallacy occurs when someone assumes that just because one event happened after another event, the first event must have caused the second event. In this case, the person assumes that the new honey is responsible for the changes in their energy, focus, and hair, simply because they started taking the honey before they noticed these changes.

Some people may think that this argument contains the post hoc fallacy because there is no scientific evidence or logical explanation presented for why the honey would have such effects. The argument relies solely on the speaker's personal experience, which may be biased and unreliable. Furthermore, there could be other factors that explain the changes in the speaker's energy, focus, and hair, such as changes in diet, exercise, or stress levels.

On the other hand, some people may argue that the argument does not contain the post hoc fallacy, as the speaker is not making a direct causal claim. Rather, they are making an inference based on their personal experience, and the conclusion is not presented as an absolute truth, but rather as a reasonable conclusion. Additionally, personal experience can sometimes be a valid form of evidence, particularly in cases where scientific evidence is lacking or inconclusive.

In conclusion, while the argument above may contain the post hoc fallacy, it is not necessarily a clear-cut case, and there are reasonable arguments to be made on both sides of the debate.