reverse causation

The reverse causation fallacy occurs when an arguer assumes that of two things, A and B, it is A that causes B, when in fact it is B that causes A.


Here is a somewhat humorous example:


Rick: "Rita, why are you trying to become a professional singer? As your friend, I feel I should tell you that you have terrible pitch and always sing off key."

Rita: "Well, professional singers usually have perfect pitch. So I figure that if I become a professional singer, it will cause me to have perfect pitch, too!"


Image credit: licensed from Shutterstock


It's more likely that having perfect pitch is one among several causes of people becoming (or having a better opportunity to become) professional singers, rather than the other way around.

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