Smooth, round stones apparently have the power to cure the flu. The last time Harriet got the flu, she put 10 smooth, round stones in her left pocket, and each day she transferred one of them to her right pocket. After all the stones were transferred, the flu was gone! Many others have tried this cure, and it has worked every time.
A) Hasty generalization.
B) Red herring.
C) False cause.
D) Missing the point.
E) Appeal to unqualified authority.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of false cause because there is no logical connection between the smooth, round stones and curing the flu. It is a superstitious belief with no scientific basis. The fact that it has apparently worked for many people does not make it a valid cure.

Smooth, Round Stones Apparently Have the Power to Cure the Flu