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Fallacy Library Retrospective Determinism
Informal fallacy

Retrospective Determinism

Looks back at past events as if the outcome had been inevitable all along.

Definition

Looks back at past events as if the outcome had been inevitable all along.

Example
After the startup succeeds, commentators say the outcome was inevitable from the first day.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Looks back at past events as if the outcome had been inevitable all along. 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

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