Errors in logic

Dichotomous reasoning

All-or-nothing thinking, thinking in mutually exclusive categories e.g. ``If I'm not on top, I'm a flop''

Overgeneralization

Drawing a general conclusion on the basis of a single incident e.g. ``Nothing ever goes right for me''

Selective abstraction (mental filter)

Conceptualising a whole situation on the basis of one detail taken out of context e.g. ``you missed a bit up there''

Discounting the positive

Positive/neutral -> negative; negative -> negative+++ (gold into lead) e.g. ``He's only saying that to be kind''

Arbitrary inference (jumping to conclusions)

Forming an interpretation of an event in the absence of supporting evidence / presence of contradictory evidence e.g. ``They'll think I'm boring'' (mind-reading); ``It'll never work'' (fortune-telling).

Magnification/minimisation (binocular trick)

Overemphasizing negatives / underemphasising positives e.g. ``Something terrible is going to happen. There's nothing I can do about it.''

Emotional reasoning

Using feelings as a basis for judgements and ignoring other factors e.g. ``If I feel it, it must be true.''

Shoulds, oughts, musts (musturbation)

Using self-commands and duty as prime motivators e.g. ``I should be over this by now''; Refusing to accept reality e.g. ``Things shouldn't be this way''

Global judgements

Assuming that the value of a person can be equated witha single action; reacting to the label rather than the event e.g. ``He's a complete bastard'' (labelling); ``This is terrible'' (awfulizing)

Personalisation

Assuming responsibility for events beyond one's control e.g. ``My fault they didn't enjoy my party''

[Thoughts] John C. G. Sturdy

Last modified: Sun Jun 10 18:17:20 GMT Daylight Time 2007

[Thoughts] John C. G. Sturdy

Last modified: Sun Jun 10 18:17:20 GMT Daylight Time 2007