Definition: The genetic fallacy is a fallacy of irrelevance that is based solely on someone’s or something’s history, origin, or source rather than its current meaning or context.
Example: The New York Times printed that article, so everything in it must be true.
Explanation: Instead of looking at the actual merits of the claim, it is judged based on its origin because the article is from the New York Times.
2 thoughts on “DB 7: Genetic Fallacy”
Hello, Tarik really well-defined fallacy on genetics I found this one very interesting because it is about looks and fame in a way, I like the example you used in the new york times since it is a very well know famous article. it describes genetic fallacy perfectly. well done 🙂
Hi Tarik
So great that you choose the New Your Times to explain your example of Genetic Fallacy. The New York Times is prominent, It attracts great attention therefore, it is a belief that it can’t or it won’t mislead, and in most cases claims are left unquestioned.