Non Sequitur: When the Conclusion Does Not Follow
A non sequitur is a reasoning fallacy in which the conclusion does not logically follow from the reasons offered. The statements may each sound plausible, but the argument skips the step that would connect them. The useful check is simple: if every stated reason were true, would the conclusion have to be true too?
Drawing a conclusion that is not supported by what came before.
What Is Non sequitur?
A non sequitur occurs when an argument's conclusion does not logically follow from its premises. The reasons may be true, but they do not establish the claim being made.
How It Tricks You
It can make a conclusion feel proven because it fits what already seems true.
Real-World Example
He was late to the meeting, so his market forecast is probably wrong.
Examples in Daily Life
Someone says a neighbor is unfriendly, so the neighbor's complaint about a leaking pipe must be exaggerated.
A manager points to a missed deadline as proof that an employee's unrelated strategy proposal is unsound.
A reply treats criticism of one policy as proof that the critic does not care about the underlying problem.
Seen Online As
- That may be true, but it does not support the conclusion being claimed.
- The argument sounds confident even though the reasons never lead to the conclusion.
- One claim is being used to justify a completely different one.
Non sequitur vs. Post hoc fallacy
The post hoc fallacy infers causation from sequence. A non sequitur is broader: any conclusion that is not supported by its premises, whether or not timing is involved.
How To Reduce Non sequitur
- State the conclusion separately from the reasons offered for it.
- Identify the missing premise that would have to connect them.
- Ask whether the conclusion could be false even if every stated reason were true.
What To Ask Instead
What exact step connects these reasons to this conclusion?
Related Thinking Traps
Common Situations
Quick FAQ
What is Non sequitur?
Drawing a conclusion that is not supported by what came before.
What is an example of Non sequitur?
He was late to the meeting, so his market forecast is probably wrong.
How do I spot Non sequitur?
What exact step connects these reasons to this conclusion?
How can I reduce Non sequitur?
State the conclusion separately from the reasons offered for it. Identify the missing premise that would have to connect them. Ask whether the conclusion could be false even if every stated reason were true.