| Lurking Variable |
|
You are here:
Meaning
>
Christian Witness
>
Encyclopedia of Logical Fallacies
>
Fallacies of Cause
>
Lurking Variable
|
Lurking Variable / Confounding FactorThe confounding factor is one of the many smokescreens that are used to cover the fact that the reasoning is based on one of the three fallacies of Agrippa's trilemma. Whenever a logical fallacy is committed, the fallacy has its roots in Agrippa's trilemma. All human thought (without Divine revelation) is based on one of three unhappy possibilities. These three possibilities are infinite regress, circular reasoning, or axiomatic thinking. This problem is known as Agrippa's trilemma. Some have claimed that only logic and math can be known without Divine revelation; however, that is not true. There is no reason to trust either logic or math without Divine revelation. Science is also limited to the pragmatic because of the weakness on human reasoning, which is known as Agrippa's trilemma. The Logical Fallacy of Lurking Variable / Confounding Factor occurs where incorrect assumption regarding one or more variables results in a spurious correlation of cause and effect. In other word, there can be another undetected variable that makes it seem like two other things are related in a cause and effect relationship. Examples of the Logical Fallacy of Lurking Variable / Confounding FactorAge of the Earth calculations often leave out certain variables such is the fact that data is cherry-picked, and there are various ways of rationalizing to deal with “unexpected” results. These are lurking variables that are seldom openly discussed. There is a lurking variable regarding young Earth theology. It would be irrational to dogmatically claim to know that the Earth is 6,000 years old. We know that God created the Heavens and the Earth in six days and we know the number of generations between Adam and Christ. That's about it. Even though a plain reading of Scripture seems to indicate a young Earth; even though there is zero observed evidence and only circular reasoning and speculations that support old Earth stories, we can't even deny the possibility that God could have done something that Scripture doesn't hint at and that has left no scientific evidence. It is possible. It just is not worth the time to think about it. 
How can we know anything about anything? That’s the real question |
Other Pages in this sectionCausal Fallacy Limited Depth Causal Reductionism Inevitability Determinism Furtive Fallacy Fallacy of Multiplication Conspiracy Theory Unnatural Fallacy Scapegoating Appeal to Coincidence Subverted Support Taking Undeserved Credit Correlation Proves Causation Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc Wrong Direction Ion Common Cause Insignificant Cause Elephant Repellent Recently Viewed |
