| Non-Support | An explanation is intended to explain how some phenomenon happens. |
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In this case, there is evidence that the phenomenon occurred, but it is trumped up, biased or ad hoc evidence.
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| Examples |
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The reason why most bachelors are timid is that their mothers were domineering. |
This attempts to explain why most bachelors are timid. However, it is shown that the author bases his generalization on two bachelors he once knew, both of whom were timid.
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The reason why I get four or better on my evaluations is that my students love me.
| This is a fallacy when evaluations which score four or less are discarded on the grounds that the students did not understand the question.
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The reason why Alberta has the lowest tuition in Canada is that tuition hikes have lagged behind other provinces.
| (Lower tuitions in three other provinces - Quebec, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia - were dismissed as "special cases" [again this is an actual example])
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| Proof |
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Identify the phenomenon which is being explained. Show that the evidence advanced to support the existence of the phenomenon was manipulated in some way.
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