Projection (Logical Fallacy)
The fallacy of projection occurs when one assumes others share their own feelings, beliefs, or attitudes without evidence, ignoring that individuals may have different experiences and interpretations.
THE IDEA
4.5 PROJECTION
The fallacy of projection occurs when one “projects” personal feelings, beliefs, or attitudes onto another person without evidence to support this assumption. This is similar to the concept of projection found in certain psychological theories. Sigmund Freud believed that individuals often project unconscious desires and fears onto the external world. The fallacy of projection is different in that it is more generally applied to lazy assumptions that we all sometimes make about others. Projection can easily be described as assuming others’ experiences of reality and/or conclusions concerning reality are the same as one’s own. For example:
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Of course Sharon will agree with us. She witnessed 9-11 also. Therefore, I am sure she will confirm our decision to go to war.
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How can you possibly eat more than one piece of pizza? One piece always fills me up.
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Jonathan is late to work again this morning. I am only late to work when I party the night before. Jonathan must have had a great time partying last night!
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I can see God’s handiwork clearly in nature. Anyone who looks at creation will surely come to the same conclusion.
In all of these examples one projects onto others one’s personal beliefs, which have been derived from his or her individual experience. The problem with this type of reasoning is that individuals have different understandings of events, food, other people, nature, and of almost everything else in life. This does not mean that others’ interpretations will always be different than one’s own. In fact, many people share very similar experiences and interpretations. But, the key point to remember about the fallacy of projection is this: simply because one has arrived at a certain conclusion, it does not follow that others will make the same judgment.
When to use it
In a team meeting, assuming colleagues will agree with your proposal because you all attended the same training.
Assuming a friend enjoys the same type of food as you do without asking.
A manager projecting their own work habits onto employees, expecting everyone to work late because they do.
Assuming someone shares your political views because you have had similar experiences
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Assuming Sharon's Agreement
Of course Sharon will agree with us. She witnessed 9-11 also. Therefore, I am sure she will confirm our decision to go to war.
Pizza Portion Assumption
How can you possibly eat more than one piece of pizza? One piece always fills me up.
Lateness Due to Party
Jonathan is late to work again this morning. I am only late to work when I party the night before. Jonathan must have had a great time partying last night!
Seeing God's Handiwork
I can see God’s handiwork clearly in nature. Anyone who looks at creation will surely come to the same conclusion.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
When have you assumed someone else would share your opinion simply because they had a similar experience?
How can you check whether your projection is accurate before concluding?
What evidence do you have that others share your feelings or beliefs in a given situation?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Informal Logical Fallacies A Brief Guide