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proving_too_much
A fallacy where an argument's reasoning, if applied consistently, proves far more than intended, including absurd or clearly false conclusions. This indicates the argument is too broad and the principle it relies on must be wrong or at least in need of qualification.
We should never punish people because punishment causes suffering, and causing suffering is always wrong. (This proves too much: it would also prohibit self-defense, quarantines, etc.)
Children should never be told 'no' because repeated rejection damages their self-esteem, and we should never damage a child's self-esteem. (This would also prohibit stopping a child from running into traffic.)
We should remove all warning labels from products, because adults have the right to make their own informed choices. (By this logic, we should also remove ingredient lists and expiration dates.)
Binary (yes/no) questions an LLM must answer to identify this aspect:
Does the argument's logic, if applied consistently, lead to conclusions the arguer would reject?
Type: binaryIs the principle used in the argument overly broad or universal?
Type: binaryWould the arguer need special pleading to avoid the unwanted conclusions?
Type: binaryA fallacy where an argument's reasoning, if applied consistently, proves far more than intended, including absurd or clearly false conclusions. This indicates the argument is too broad and the principle it relies on must be wrong or at least in need of qualification.
The original conclusion seems reasonable in isolation, so the overly broad principle goes unnoticed until its implications are examined.
Apply the same reasoning to other cases to show it leads to absurd conclusions. Demand the arguer narrow their principle to avoid the unwanted implications.
Legal arguments, ethical debates, and policy discussions where broad principles are invoked without considering their full range of application.
Use these tools to detect, analyze, or train this aspect.