“Ad Hoc”
Improv Argument
What is Ad Hoc?
Following up a disputed argument with a new claim that cannot be proven.
Business Application
Ad Hoc arguments can sometimes be detected easily but can often be very convincing. A popular method of calling out a person’s claim on the internet is to ask them to “Cite your sources.” In person, digging a little deeper with “How did you hear about that?” or by pointing out that the supporting claim cannot be proven will be very effective in countering this fallacy.
Example
Argument –
My investor brings me back 30% returns on a monthly basis.
Counter Position –
There’s no way an investor could bring in those types of returns, that consistently, unless they’re doing something illegal.
Ad Hoc –
Well maybe he has some sort of proprietary algorithm or he has some great insider knowledge.
Why This is a Fallacy
Inserting possible explanations without new supporting evidence to counter an argument is a very common use of the Ad Hoc fallacy.
Tom Waters
Owner at Everyday Sales
Everyday Sales is an online resource for sales and business education. We expose the psychological exploits used in sales and marketing to empower our clients to become better professionals. Our feature content includes Sales in Cinema, Cognitive Biases in Business, Logical Fallacies in Business, and Quotes Deconstructed.
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