ECONOMICS PROJECT---

Fallacy of an theory

What is a theory?• A theory is a set of definitions

postulates, test conditions and predictions logically organized to explain phenomena.

• It is an if- then statement. It explains and predicts that if the postulates and test conditions apply, then the predictions must happen.

Situation• It was the time when the SARS was

spreading in Hong Kong…• The theory is:

If one is infected by SARS, one will stay in the hospital.--- If A, then B

In the statement, A is called the antecedent, while B is

called the consequent.

Oh…if you have SARS, you should stay in the

hospital or others may be infected also.

SO…There is a thinking…

Don’t come near me. You have infected by SARS…You should stay in the hospital…

SARS patient!!!!

If A (antecedent), then B(consequent).

HOWEVER…

Somebody have the following thinking…

Oh…you are not infected by the SARS, you need not staying in

the hospital.

Not A(antecedent), not B(consequent).

patient catching a serious cold

The monkey has committed the fallacy

of denying the antecedent.

Therefore, the thinking of Not A,

not B…is…

Although I don’t have SARS, I should stay in

the hospital since I have caught a serious

cold.

WRONG!!!!

AND…Some people may think that…

Oh!!!!…you are staying in the

hospital, you are infected by SARS.

If B(consequent), then A(antecedent).

You are in the hospital

ALSO!!!!

IN THE HOSPITAL…

100m

The monkey has committed the

fallacy of affirming the consequent.

I am innocent… Staying in hospital does not mean that I

have infected by SARS… I have just given birth to babies…

WRONG!!!!

Therefore, the thinking of If B,

then A…is…

Conclusion• Fallacy is an invalid reason that…

• Not A, Not B.If B, Then A.

WRONG!!!!WRONG!!!

!

With the statement given is:If A, Then B.

THE END

6A• Sharon Pang (18)• Tiffany Wong (27)• Carmen Yeung (28)