A half truth shows only the data that support a conclusion and hides or minimizes the data that contradict it. It is fallacious not for what it states, but for what it omits.
Example
“Policy X greatly benefited 50% of citizens.”
(It omits that it harmed the other 50% to the same extent.)
Applied example (political)
“The reform reduced crime downtown.”
(It omits that crime rose in peripheral neighborhoods.)
Applied example (mystical)
“Thousands report feeling better after the retreat.”
(It omits lack of follow-up, controls, or negative cases.)
Why it is fallacious
- Evidence is selected selectively.
- It induces a biased conclusion.
- It prevents full evaluation.
How to spot it
- Only favorable indicators are shown.
- Costs or negative effects are missing.
- Context or comparison is absent.
How to respond
- Ask for complete data and sources.
- Look for omitted contrary information.
- Rebalance the analysis with both sides.