False Cause

Definition

False cause refers to the logical fallacy of assuming a cause-and-effect relationship between two events without sufficient evidence. It occurs when someone mistakenly believes that one event caused another simply because they happened in succession.

Related terms

Correlation does not imply causation: This term reminds us that just because two things happen together doesn't mean one caused the other.

Post hoc fallacy: This term specifically refers to the mistaken belief that if one event follows another, the first event must have caused the second.

Cum hoc fallacy: Similar to post hoc fallacy, this term describes the assumption that if two events occur simultaneously, there must be a causal relationship between them.