This fallacy is a fallacy of relevance and is committed when an argument is made but the conclusion drawn is not supported by the premises. The premises of the argument may well be true but they do not support the conclusion.

It is frequently used by people who want to prove something but who don't have a sound argument to back up their case. They simply use valid premises and draw a false conclusion to back up their claim. It is frequently used in politics.

Examples:

• More immigrants have entered the country in the last 12 months than ever before. Crime has increased by 5% in the last 12 months. We must stop immigration now.
  
  
• Alternative therapies have been around for a long time. People should have choice regarding their health. Alternative remedies should be integrated into the NHS.


• Mediums pass messages from spirit. This brings comfort to many people. This proves that mediums genuinely contact the dead.
  
  

This fallacy can be difficult to spot, especially when used in speeches. It is quite common, and is used where people want to prove their point or persuade others although they don't actually have a sound argument.

It can be convincing as the premises of the argument are usually true. If closely examined, however, the false conclusion can be spotted.

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