Which reasoning error is evident in the claim that "intelligent people drive Valvos" based solely on the argument of natural defense?

Which reasoning error is evident in the claim that "intelligent people drive Valvos" based solely on the argument of natural defense?

• A. Faulty Analogy
• B. Non Sequitur
• C. Selected Instances
• D. Post Hoc

Answer: (B)

In the scenario presented, the reasoning error involves making a conclusion about intelligence based solely on an unrelated characteristic of a group of people (those who drive Volvos). The statement assumes that being an intelligent person is a requisite for driving a specific brand of car, which does not logically follow. This disconnection between the premise and the conclusion exemplifies the non sequitur fallacy, where the argument fails to provide a logical connection between its claims. The reasoning is flawed because it overlooks other potential explanations for why someone might choose to drive a Volvo. Factors such as personal preference, budget, or lifestyle choices may influence such a decision more significantly than the claim of intelligence. Thus, the assertion that "intelligent people drive Volvos" is an invalid leap in logic that lacks support, underscoring the nature of a non sequitur.

In the scenario presented, the reasoning error involves making a conclusion about intelligence based solely on an unrelated characteristic of a group of people (those who drive Volvos). The statement assumes that being an intelligent person is a requisite for driving a specific brand of car, which does not logically follow. This disconnection between the premise and the conclusion exemplifies the non sequitur fallacy, where the argument fails to provide a logical connection between its claims.

The reasoning is flawed because it overlooks other potential explanations for why someone might choose to drive a Volvo. Factors such as personal preference, budget, or lifestyle choices may influence such a decision more significantly than the claim of intelligence. Thus, the assertion that "intelligent people drive Volvos" is an invalid leap in logic that lacks support, underscoring the nature of a non sequitur.