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Fallacy Library Anecdotal
Informal fallacy Commonly Used Fallacy

Anecdotal

Uses a personal story or isolated example as if it were enough to prove a broad claim.

Definition

Uses a personal story or isolated example as if it were enough to prove a broad claim.

Example
My uncle smoked every day and lived to ninety, so smoking risks are exaggerated.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Uses a personal story or isolated example as if it were enough to prove a broad claim. In practice, the key question is whether the conclusion is supported by evidence and logic, or whether it depends on this reasoning shortcut instead.

Related entries

Related by logic, rhetoric, or real-world co-occurrence

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