Recognizing when something defies common sense and logic can help us avoid faulty reasoning, misleading information, and poor decision-making. Whether you’re evaluating a claim, an idea, or an argument, knowing how to assess its logical coherence is crucial. But how exactly can you tell when something doesn’t add up? Let’s explore the key steps and indicators to help you spot when something defies common sense and logic.

1. Examine the Evidence

The first step is to check if there’s any concrete evidence supporting the claim. If a statement or argument lacks evidence, it’s more likely to be based on opinion, speculation, or false information.

• Ask yourself: What facts or data are provided? Are they credible and from a reliable source?

If there’s little to no evidence or the sources aren’t trustworthy, the argument may be illogical.

2. Look for Logical Fallacies

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the validity of an argument. Recognizing these can help you determine whether something makes sense.

• Common fallacies include:
  • Ad hominem attacks: Attacking the person instead of the argument.
  • Strawman arguments: Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack.
  • Appeals to authority: Assuming something is true because an authority figure says so, without evidence.
  • Slippery slope arguments: Claiming that a small action will lead to significant, often negative, consequences without evidence to support this.

If you spot any of these, it’s a good sign that the reasoning is flawed.

3. Check for Consistency

A logical argument should be consistent with established facts and other related information. If a claim contradicts itself or established facts without providing a solid reason why, it’s likely defying logic.

• Ask: Does this align with what we know to be true in general? Are there any contradictions within the argument itself?

For example, if someone claims that humans can survive without food indefinitely, this contradicts basic biological facts and defies common sense.

4. Consider the Source

The credibility of the source making the claim matters. If the claim comes from an unreliable or biased source, it may be less trustworthy. Reliable sources typically have a track record of accuracy, expertise, and transparency.

• Evaluate: Who is making the claim? Do they have a history of credible work? Are they an expert on the topic?

If the source is questionable, the information may lack logic or be grounded in misinformation.

5. Apply Occam’s Razor

Occam’s Razor is a problem-solving principle that suggests the simplest explanation, with the fewest assumptions, is often the most likely to be correct. If an argument requires many convoluted or unlikely assumptions to make sense, it might defy logic.

• Test it: Does the explanation seem unnecessarily complicated? Are there simpler, more plausible explanations?

If the argument relies on improbable or overly complex reasoning, it’s likely illogical.

6. Ask for Clarification

If a claim doesn’t make sense to you at first glance, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Often, unclear or vague arguments hide a lack of logic. Pressing for clear definitions and explanations can reveal whether the argument holds up under scrutiny.

• Questions to ask: What exactly does this mean? How did you arrive at this conclusion?

If the person providing the argument can’t explain it clearly, it may be illogical or based on weak reasoning.

7. Test Against Common Experience

Common sense refers to the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all possess. If a claim completely contradicts common experiences or basic principles of reality, it might defy logic.

• Reflect: Does this match with everyday experiences or what’s generally understood?

For example, claiming that gravity suddenly stopped working for a single person on Earth would defy common sense and logic because it contradicts basic physical laws that apply to everyone.

Conclusion

Spotting when something defies common sense and logic involves critically analyzing the evidence, checking for fallacies, and considering the source. Trusting established facts and simple explanations, while being open to asking for clarification, will help you recognize when an argument doesn’t hold up. By applying these techniques, you’ll be better equipped to navigate information and make sound judgments in a world filled with complex and sometimes misleading ideas.