|
|
What fallacies are being drawn upon with the defence of 'its an isolated incident'The question relates to a case of a serious misdemeanour by one student at a school (which potentially threatened the safety of others and prompted police intervention). I predicted that those in charge - and potentially culpable - would respond by calling this 'an isolated incident'. Its an argument I have stumbled across several times, with some disquiet. Today the response I predicted actually happened (it was merged with other rhetorical strategies, such as by praising those involved in dealing with the issue).
Subsequently, I started to reflect on that is really going on with this oft-used response. I have written some preliminary thoughts (for myself), which draw on a number of fallacies. It may have some allure - I suggest - by claiming (somewhat implicitly) to avoid another common fallacy (namely 'proof by selected instances'). However, I'd be interested to find out what experts think of this 'isolated incident' strategy or fallacy (if indeed it is one). Many thanks indeed. |
| asked on Wednesday, Apr 12, 2017 04:31:03 PM by Ross | |
Top Categories Suggested by Community |
|
Comments |
|
|
| |
Want to get notified of all questions as they are asked? Update your mail preferences and turn on "Instant Notification."
Part one is about how science works even when the public thinks it doesn't. Part two will certainly ruffle some feathers by offering a reason- and science-based perspective on issues where political correctness has gone awry. Part three provides some data-driven advice for your health and well-being. Part four looks at human behavior and how we can better navigate our social worlds. In part five we put on our skeptical goggles and critically examine a few commonly-held beliefs. In the final section, we look at a few ways how we all can make the world a better place.
* This is for the author's bookstore only. Applies to autographed hardcover, audiobook, and ebook.
|
|
Proof by selective instances sounds like a biased sample fallacy which would be my guess. But without knowing what the so-called isolated incident is, it's hard to put an answer on the event. If it truly is an isolated event that isn't happening elsewhere then no fallacy. Is it described vaguely? That could be some sort of fallacy of ambiguity. Is it simply some kind of violence? Violence wouldn't be isolated. If its rape in a high school, only a nationwide consensus would determine if it's happening in other places. Is it being called isolated because it is in a small town where it hasn't ever happened? I guess there's no way to put a fallacy to it until there's more info but that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
|
| answered on Wednesday, Apr 12, 2017 08:10:29 PM by skips777 |
Comments |
|
| |
|
|
The comment "it's an isolated incident" makes sense in the context in which the incident occurred. For example, if a student brought a gun to school, and no student has ever done this before, it is fair to say "it's an isolated incident" when referring to a gun being brought to school. The school would be jumping the gun (pun intended) if they were to announce a "gun crisis" at the school. If it indeed was an isolated incident, they don't need to panic and divert focus on solving a problem that may not reoccur.
First time offenders are treated less harshly than repeat offenders. So perhaps what is meant by "it's an isolated incident" is "this is the first time the student has done such a thing, so we are willing to go easier on them than if they were a repeat offender." I see nothing fallacious about this, in fact, it makes sense to me from a justice standpoint. If I am missing something, perhaps you can elaborate in the comments as to where you see the error in reasoning (or perhaps include some more details if you can). Thanks! |
| answered on Wednesday, Apr 12, 2017 08:12:07 PM by Bo Bennett, PhD |
Comments |
|
| |