The argument from fallacy is a logical fallacy which assumes that because a fallacious argument has been put forward for something it must be false.

Examples:

  • Anne: "All cats are animals. Ginger is an animal. This means Ginger is a cat.". Bill: "Ah you just committed the affirming the consequent logical fallacy. Sorry, you are wrong, which means that Ginger is not a cat". But of course, while it is not certain that Ginger is a cat, it might be.
  • Bill: "OK - I'll prove I'm English - I speak English so that proves it". Anne: "But Americans speak English too. You have committed the package deal fallacy, speaking English and being English don't always go together. That means you are not English".

Showing that arguments given for a position are fallacies does not disprove the position.