Non causa pro causa is a family of fallacies in which causality is assigned without sufficient evidence. A wrong cause is inferred from correlations or coincidences.
Example
“Since the flag changed, the country got worse. Therefore the flag caused it.”
(Causality is assigned without mechanisms or proof.)
Applied example (political)
“The logo was changed and then the crisis arrived; the logo caused it.” (No causal mechanism is shown.)
Applied example (mystical)
“Mercury retrograde causes relationship fights.” (Cause is assigned without evidence.)
Why it is fallacious
- It assumes causality without controls.
- It ignores hidden variables or alternative causes.
- It confuses temporal sequence with explanation.
How to spot it
- A cause is claimed without a verifiable mechanism.
- Anecdotes are treated as causal evidence.
- No comparisons or controls are provided.
How to respond
- Ask for causal evidence and mechanisms.
- Look for alternative factors.
- Require comparative designs or experiments.
See also: