Ignoratlo elenchl 95/ shall oppose this measure to permit people to leave school earlier by
proving once again the value of education.
(Proving the value of education does not prove the case against
permitting earlier leaving. Perhaps it takes education, as opposed to
schooling, to see the difference.)The thesis which is proved is not relevant to the one which the
arguer sought to prove, which is why this is sometimes known as
the fallacy of irrelevant thesis. The fallacy consists of supposing
that the one conclusion equates with the other, when in fact they
make separate points. The arguments which would support the
first conclusion are omitted, and those which support the irre-
levant conclusion are brought in instead.
How could my client have ordered the murder? I have proved
beyond a shadow of doubt that he was not even in the country at the
time.
(Well done. Does that show he didn't order it before he left, or
arrange it by telephone?)Ignoratio elenchi has a subtle appeal. Its strength lies in the fact
that a conclusion is validly proved, even though it is the wrong
one. Anyone who concentrates on the argument may well find
that its soundness diverts his attention away from the irrelevant
conclusion.
Is gambling a worthwhile occupation? Believe me, we not only work
as hard as anyone else, but harder. It takes hours of study every day,
quite apart from the time spent doing it.
(OK, it's hard work. Now, is it worthwhile?)Ignoratio elenchi makes its brief, but usually successful,
appearance wherever someone accused of doing something he