Basically, these two logical fallacies work together. The
first is the so called Cum hoc ergo propter hoc in Latin.
The second one is the Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
Cum hoc fallacy assumes that some
events which occurred simultaneously are causally connected.
For the exo-fantasists and conspiracy fans, this is
fundamental since it’s relatively easy to convince true believers that a
meeting of economists in Paris and an accident in Stockholm are related and
consequently show a giant international conspiracy in action.
In the post hoc fallacy, the first event is
associated causally with the second as effect.
The mythologist simply finds different events that are
unrelated, and fallaciously associates them.
Since so many things happen all the time, it’s possible
for the professional or amateur charlatan to associate different events and
convince some people that these show the magnitude of the imaginary conspiracy.
If you analyze the structure of the conspiracy theories, you
will find a massive utilization of cum hoc ergo propter hoc and post hoc ergo
propter hoc fallacies.
It’s easy to convince some individuals that behind an
earthquake or a crisis there are the invisible hands of secret societies or extraterrestrials.
Unfortunately, the conspiracy theorists are irresponsibly
affecting the psychological balance and behavior of people with paranoid
personalities that will easily believe these fallacies.
Tomas Scolarici
