Argument to The Future – Refraction (Bent Thinking) #17

Argument to The Future (Argumentum Ad Futurum): Basing a conclusion on a predictive statement (claiming a certain future event will happen). Refutation: No human knows for sure that a certain even will happen in the future at a specific time; therefore no conclusion can logically be drawn from the reality of the claim. Example:  Adam: Betty, Obamacare will bankrupt our medical deliver service industry, therefore it must be overturned. Side Note: There is nothing wrong with making predictive statements. Anyone can do so at any time. The problem lies in the attempt in the present to draw a conclusion from that future certain event.  If is perfectly fine to argue for or against something on its present merits…..or suggest a possible (or even likely) outcome… but not certain outcome.