Genetic fallacy

The genetic fallacy evaluates a claim by its origin (who said it, where it comes from) instead of by evidence. Origins do not prove or refute truth.

Example

“That comes from group X, so it must be false.”
(Origin does not determine validity.)

Applied example (political)

“The proposal comes from the rival party, so it is bad.” (Origin does not prove value.)

Applied example (mystical)

“The technique arose in a cult, so it is false.” (It is judged by provenance.)

Why it is fallacious

• It replaces evidence with prejudice.
• It confuses source with truth.
• It blocks analysis of the content.

How to spot it

• A claim is dismissed because of its provenance.
• Labels of origin are used as arguments.
• The content is not evaluated.

How to respond

• Ask for evidence about the content, not the source.
• Note that a claim can be right even if the source is questionable.
• Evaluate the argument on present merits.