Definition

A non sequitur is a conclusion or reply that doesn't follow logically from the previous statement. In Latin, it means 'it does not follow.' This fallacy occurs when there is no clear connection between the premise and the conclusion.

Examples

Example 1: Everyday Conversation

"The sky is blue, so we should have pizza for dinner."

Example 2: Political Statement

"The economy has been growing steadily, which is why we need to build a wall on the southern border."

Why It's Flawed

The non sequitur fallacy is problematic because it:

  • Breaks the logical flow of an argument
  • Creates confusion by introducing unrelated points
  • Can be used to distract from the main issue
  • Undermines meaningful discussion
  • Makes it difficult to follow or evaluate the reasoning

How to Spot It

Look for these signs of a non sequitur:

  1. The conclusion doesn't follow from the premises
  2. There's a sudden jump in logic
  3. The speaker changes the subject abruptly
  4. You find yourself asking "How did we get here?"
  5. The connection between statements is unclear or missing

How to Avoid It

To avoid using or being misled by non sequiturs:

  • Ensure your conclusions follow logically from your premises
  • Make the connections between your points clear
  • If you notice a non sequitur in someone else's argument, ask them to explain the connection
  • Practice identifying logical connections between statements
  • Be aware of when you might be changing the subject