Affirming the Consequent - Definition & Meaning

Published in Statistics by MBA Skool Team

What is Affirming the Consequent?

Affirming the Consequent is a logical fallacy (error) where the converse statement is inferred as true from a logical statement. This kind of argument is invalid. This fallacy is also known as Converse error or fallacy of the converse.


Example:

Consequent: The part of a conditional statement whose truth is conditional. (Generally followed by then)

Antecedent:  The part of conditional statement which precedes the Consequent


If statement P [ANTECEDENT], then statement Q [CONSEQUENT]


As per the converse error, Q is true then necessarily P also has to be true. (Which does not follow logically?). In fact, the only inference that can be made is: If non-Q, then non-P.


Statement: If I am Rich, I have a car

Converse error: If I have a car, means I am rich

Logic: I can have car even if I am not rich. There are a hundred ways to have a car. Being rich is just one of the ways to have a car

Correct Conclusion: If I don’t have a car, I am not rich

 

This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

Browse the definition and meaning of more similar terms. The Management Dictionary covers over 1800 business concepts from 5 categories.

Continue Reading:



Share this Page on:
Facebook ShareTweetShare on Linkedin