Denial of the Consequent.

 

If it is snowing outside, I will wear a coat. It is snowing outside. Therefore, I will not wear a coat. Identify the fallacy in this argument. Explain

The fallacy in this argument is called the denial of the consequent.

Here's why:

• The original statement sets up a hypothetical situation: "If it is snowing outside, then I will wear a coat." This is called the conditional statement and consists of two parts:
  • The antecedent: "It is snowing outside"
  • The consequent: "I will wear a coat"
• The second statement confirms the antecedent: "It is snowing outside."
• However, the conclusion illogically flips the relationship between the antecedent and consequent, stating "Therefore, I will not wear a coat."

A valid argument based on the original statement would be: "If it is snowing outside, I will wear a coat. It is snowing outside. Therefore, I will wear a coat."

Denial of the consequent is a fallacy because even though the antecedent is true (it is snowing), it doesn't necessarily mean the opposite of the consequent is also true (you won't wear a coat). There could be other reasons besides the weather that might influence your decision to wear a coat or not