| Genuine but Insignificant Cause | The object or event identified as the cause of an effect is a genuine cause, but insignificant when compared to the other causes of that event. |
|---|---|
| Note that this fallacy does not apply when all other contributing causes are equally insignificant. Thus, it is not a fallacy to say that you helped cause defeat the Tory government because you voted Reform, for your vote had as much weight as any other vote, and hence is equally a part of the cause. | |
| Examples: | |
| (i) Smoking is causing air pollution in Edmonton. (True, but the effect of smoking is insignificant compared to the effect of auto exhaust.) | |
| (ii) By leaving your oven on overnight you are contributing to global warming. | |
| Proof: | |
| Identify the much more significant cause. | |