Fortunately, the logical fallacy known as the fallacy of necessity is quite easy to spot in most situations. This logical fallacy will arise when true facts are given but an illogical conclusion will be concluded from those facts. For example, an instance of the fallacy of necessity can be seen in the argument “Jane only becomes stressed from school. Jane should not be stressed. Jane should not go to school.” Here we see an obvious logical fallacy, the fallacy of necessity offering a solution which seems to logically follow in a vacuum but does not make sense in a realistic situation. This type of logical fallacy is known as the fallacy of necessity because true statements will make the conclusion seem necessary if one does not consider mandatory obligations or rules. Obviously, all children must go to school, and this rule of thumb serves as an example for other rules which people know are true but may neglect to include in an argument.
If the fallacy of necessity is a logical fallacy which is easy to spot, where might it be used? The previous example of a fallacy of necessity is fairly transparent; virtually everyone understands that school is something which cannot be avoided, therefore suggesting that Jane cure her stress by ceasing to attend school is blatantly a logical fallacy. However, there are instances in which the fallacy of necessity is less obvious, namely, situations in which everyone does not understand associated rules.
Therefore, when dealing with complex concepts or procedure, or simply a concept with which someone is unfamiliar, an opponent may slip in the fallacy of necessity without anyone ever noticing. How can this logical fallacy be avoided? If difficult procedure is being discussed, or your opponent decides to convoluted whatever is being debated, ask them to clearly explain exactly what they are talking about and request evidence. While your opponent may continue to try to use the fallacy of necessity, demanding a clear explanation and supporting data creates a higher likelihood of exposing a previously concealed logical fallacy. Remember, there is no shame is asking for an explanation of something. It is important not to fear appearing unintelligent; if the rest of your argument and responses are sound, it will seem obvious your opponent was the one who failed to deliver a coherent explanation. If you are not tied to a certain time frame, request to suspend your debate until you have completed the appropriate research to determine exactly what your opponent is arguing. This will allow for better reflection and more time to identify any logical fallacy which may have been included in the argument, including the fallacy of necessity.
WORKS CITED Logical Fallacies: Prosecutor’s Fallacy, Begging the Question, No True Scotsman, Fallacies of Definition, Straw Man, False Dilemma. General, 2010. Print.
