Faulty Comparison
A faulty comparison relates things that are not relevant to each other, making one seem more or less desirable than it really is.
THE IDEA
Faulty Comparison
(also known as: bad comparison, false comparison, incomplete comparison, inconsistent comparison)
Description: Comparing one thing to another that is really not related, in order to make the one thing look more or less desirable than it really is.
Example #1: While both broccoli and candy bars can be considered snacks, comparing the two in terms of fat content and ignoring the significant difference in taste, leads to the false comparison.
Example #2: We are comparing science to a system of knowledge, “faith”, that is not known for revising itself based on new evidence. Even when it does, the “wrongs” are blamed on human interpretation. Science is all about improving ideas to get closer to the truth, and, in some cases, completely throwing out theories that have been proven wrong. Furthermore, the claims of religion are virtually all unfalsifiable, thus cannot be proven wrong. Therefore, comparing religion and science on the basis of falsifiability, is a faulty comparison.
Exception: One can argue what exactly is “really not related”.
Tip: Comparisons of any kind almost always are flawed. Think carefully before you accept any kind of comparison as evidence.
When to use it
In marketing, comparing a product to a completely different category to make it seem superior.
In politics, comparing a policy to an unrelated historical event to sway opinion.
In personal reasoning, comparing your situation to an outlier case to justify a decision.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Broccoli vs Candy Bar
While both broccoli and candy bars can be considered snacks, comparing the two in terms of fat content and ignoring the significant difference in taste, leads to the false comparison.
Science vs Religion
We are comparing science to a system of knowledge, 'faith', that is not known for revising itself based on new evidence. Even when it does, the 'wrongs' are blamed on human interpretation. Science is all about improving ideas to get closer to the truth, and, in some cases, completely throwing out theories that have been proven wrong. Furthermore, the claims of religion are virtually all unfalsifiable, thus cannot be proven wrong. Therefore, comparing religion and science on the basis of falsifiability, is a faulty comparison.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you think of a recent debate where a faulty comparison was used?
How could you strengthen an argument by avoiding false comparisons?
When comparing two things, what should you consider to ensure the comparison is valid?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies