Argumentum ad logicam says a conclusion is false only because the reasoning behind it is fallacious. An invalid argument can still end in a true conclusion for other reasons.
Example
“Your argument is a fallacy, so your conclusion is false.”
(The conclusion could be true for other reasons.)
Applied example (political)
“That report contains a reasoning error, so everything in it is false.”
(The error does not erase the possibility of correct data.)
Applied example (mystical)
“The explanation is weak, therefore the spiritual conclusion is false.”
(The conclusion could still be true for other reasons.)
Why it is fallacious
- It confuses validity with truth.
- It ignores independent evidence.
- It shifts from content to formal error.
How to spot it
- The conclusion is dismissed without evaluating it directly.
- The word “fallacy” is used as a debate stopper.
- No counterevidence is provided.
How to respond
- Acknowledge the flawed reasoning, then ask for empirical evaluation.
- Request independent evidence for or against the conclusion.
- Remember: a true conclusion can be badly argued.