Day: December 16, 2023

Cherry Picking in Literature: Introduction

Cherry picking in literature, an important rhetorical device, finds its nuanced application where authors deliberately select and present specific details, events, or characters to shape narrative perspectives and influence reader interpretation. Literary cherry picking extends beyond mere narrative choices and entails a purposeful curation of elements to evoke desired emotions, establish thematic motifs, or underscore underlying messages. Authors wield this literary device to craft a deliberate, often subjective, portrayal of their fictional worlds, selectively emphasizing certain facets while strategically neglecting others. This artful manipulation of narrative elements allows for the construction of compelling narratives that resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the deliberate choices writers make to convey meaning and provoke particular responses within the literary landscape.

Cherry Picking in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

1. “Hamlet” – Selective Madness: In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the protagonist feigns madness, using selective behavior and speech to manipulate those around him. Hamlet strategically chooses when to appear mad, creating ambiguity about his true mental state and leading characters, and readers, to question the authenticity of his madness.
2. “Othello” – Selective Trust: In “Othello,” Iago selectively provides information to Othello, omitting crucial details and manipulating perceptions to stoke jealousy and suspicion. By cherry-picking facts, Iago masterfully engineers Othello’s tragic downfall.
3. “Macbeth” – Selective Ambition: The character of Macbeth in the play “Macbeth” selectively embraces ambition, choosing to heed the prophecies that align with his aspirations while disregarding warnings that could deter him from the path of ruthless power-seeking.
4. “Romeo and Juliet” – Selective Loyalties: In the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet,” the titular characters selectively prioritize their love over loyalty to their feuding families, leading to a series of tragic events. Their selective allegiance to each other contributes to the ultimate tragedy of the play.
5. “Julius Caesar” – Selective Persuasion: In “Julius Caesar,” Cassius selectively appeals to Brutus’s sense of honor and patriotism while omitting the potential negative consequences of their plot against Caesar. Cassius’s cherry-picked arguments influence Brutus’s decision to join the conspiracy.
6. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – Selective Perception: Shakespeare employs the theme of selective perception in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where characters experience magical illusions that influence their romantic entanglements. This selective perception adds layers of comedic confusion to the play.

Cherry Picking in Literature: Examples

1. Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings (Colombia):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Magical realism
   • Context: The story blends fantastical elements with mundane reality. If one were to only focus on the magical realism without considering the deeper social commentary, they might miss the critique of human nature and society.
2. Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis (Czech Republic):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Gregor Samsa’s transformation into a giant insect
   • Context: The story is often analyzed for its existential themes, exploring alienation and the absurdity of human existence. Cherry picking the insect transformation might oversimplify the profound philosophical aspects.
3. Rumi’s Poetry (Persian):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Romantic verses
   • Context: Rumi’s poetry encompasses a wide range of themes, including spirituality, mysticism, and the nature of existence. Focusing solely on romantic verses might neglect the spiritual depth and philosophical insights present in his work.
4. Lu Xun’s “Diary of a Madman” (China):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Allegory of cannibalism
   • Context: The story is a critique of traditional Chinese culture and its oppressive nature. Cherry picking the cannibalism theme without understanding its allegorical significance may miss the broader commentary on societal ills.
5. Pablo Neruda’s Poetry (Chile):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Love poems
   • Context: Neruda’s poetry spans a wide range of themes, including politics, nature, and existential reflections. Focusing solely on love poems might overlook his contributions to social and political discourse.
6. Haruki Murakami’s “Kafka on the Shore” (Japan):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Surrealistic and dreamlike sequences
   • Context: Murakami’s work often explores the human psyche and existential questions. Cherry picking the surreal elements might miss the psychological depth and the interplay between reality and fantasy.
7. Octavio Paz’s Poetry (Mexico):
   • Cherry Picked Element: Sensual and erotic imagery
   • Context: Paz’s poetry delves into existential questions, cultural identity, and the nature of language. Focusing only on the sensual aspects might overlook the philosophical and intellectual dimensions of his work.

In each case, it’s essential to consider the broader context of the literary work to fully appreciate its richness and depth. Cherry picking specific elements can lead to a superficial understanding and miss the intended nuances and complexities of the text.

Cherry Picking in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Cherry Picked Element	Relevance in Theory
Formalism	Symbolism in a poem’s imagery	Formalism focuses on the intrinsic structure of a work, so cherry picking symbols aids in structural analysis.
Structuralism	Specific recurring motifs in a novel	Identifying and isolating certain motifs helps reveal underlying structures and patterns in the narrative.
Feminist Criticism	Female characters’ dialogues in a play	Analyzing specific dialogues sheds light on gender dynamics and power relations, crucial in feminist critique.
Marxist Criticism	Instances of class struggle in a novel	Cherry picking examples of class conflict helps illuminate the text’s reflection of societal power imbalances and economic structures.
Postcolonial Criticism	Representations of colonial oppression	Focusing on specific instances of colonial oppression aids in uncovering the text’s relationship with postcolonial contexts and power dynamics.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Dreams and unconscious desires in a story	Examining cherry-picked dream sequences or symbols contributes to understanding the characters’ subconscious motivations and conflicts.
Reader-Response Theory	Individual reader’s emotional response	Cherry picking specific emotional reactions helps illustrate the theory’s emphasis on the subjective, personal interpretation of a text.

It’s important to note that these literary theories are not mutually exclusive, and elements of each may be present in various works. Cherry picking allows scholars to highlight and emphasize specific elements relevant to their chosen theoretical framework while potentially overlooking other facets of the text. A comprehensive analysis often considers multiple theories to provide a well-rounded interpretation.

Cherry Picking in Literature: Relevant Terms

1. Metaphor: Direct comparison between two unlike things for symbolic meaning.
2. Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality, often for humor or emphasis.
3. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
4. Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words.
5. Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
6. Oxymoron: Combining contradictory terms for a paradoxical effect.
7. Euphemism: Substituting a mild or less direct word or phrase for one considered harsh or blunt.
8. Paradox: A statement that seems contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth.
9. Synecdoche: Using a part of something to represent the whole or vice versa.
10. Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words for rhythmic effect.

Cherry Picking in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
4. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. 3rd ed., Three Rivers Press, 2017.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
6. Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
8. Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 1999.

Cherry Picking: Etymology/Term, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Cherry Picking Etymology/Term

The term “cherry picking” has its roots in the literal act of selectively choosing ripe cherries from a tree. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression with broader applications.

Literal Meaning:

• Fruit Harvesting: Originally, cherry picking referred to the practice of carefully selecting only the ripest or best cherries from a tree during harvest.

Conceptual Meanings:

• Selective Choosing: In a broader sense, cherry picking has come to signify the act of selectively choosing specific elements or information while disregarding others.
• Confirmation Bias: It is often associated with confirmation bias, where individuals choose or emphasize information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
• Data Analysis: In fields like research and statistics, cherry picking involves selectively presenting data points that support a particular argument, while omitting those that might weaken the case.
• Argumentation Fallacy: Cherry picking is considered a logical fallacy when someone selectively presents evidence to support their claims while ignoring counterarguments.

In essence, “cherry picking” encapsulates the idea of selectively choosing, whether in the context of harvesting fruit, gathering information, or forming arguments, often with the intention of presenting a skewed perspective.

Cherry Picking: Definition as a Rhetorical Device

Cherry picking, as a rhetorical device, involves selectively presenting evidence or examples that support a particular viewpoint while intentionally ignoring or omitting information that contradicts it. This practice aims to persuade or manipulate an audience by providing a one-sided and incomplete representation of the available data or arguments. In essence, cherry picking is a strategic form of argumentation that seeks to strengthen a position by highlighting favorable elements while neglecting the broader context.

Cherry Picking: Types and Examples

Type of Cherry Picking	Definition	Example
Data Cherry Picking	Selectively presenting statistical data to emphasize a specific trend or outcome while disregarding conflicting data.	Presenting only positive economic indicators to create an overly optimistic view of the economy.
Quote Mining	Extracting quotes out of context to support a particular viewpoint, even if the original intent or meaning differs from the presented argument.	Taking a politician’s statement out of context to make it appear as though they endorse a policy they may not fully support.
Anecdotal Evidence Selection	Relying on isolated personal stories or anecdotes that align with a desired narrative while ignoring broader trends or statistical evidence.	Using a single case of an adverse reaction to a vaccine to argue against vaccination without considering the overwhelming evidence of its safety.
Historical Cherry Picking	Highlighting specific events or periods from history that support an argument while overlooking other historical contexts that might present a more balanced view.	Arguing against a social policy by selectively referencing instances where it failed without acknowledging cases where it succeeded.
Scientific Study Cherry Picking	Citing only specific studies that support a claim while neglecting the body of research that may offer conflicting results or a more nuanced understanding.	Advocating for a controversial medical treatment by highlighting one study that supports its efficacy while ignoring research raising safety concerns.
Selective Fact Presentation	Choosing facts selectively to construct a narrative that suits a particular agenda, often neglecting contradictory information.	Arguing for or against climate change by focusing on specific temperature data points while disregarding the broader trend of global temperature increase.

Cherry Picking: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Social Media Discussions:

• Example: In a debate on social media, someone might selectively share news articles or quotes that support their viewpoint while ignoring information that contradicts it, creating a biased representation of the issue.

2. Product Reviews:

• Example: A customer writing a review for a product may highlight positive features that align with their expectations while overlooking or downplaying any negative aspects, presenting a skewed perspective to potential buyers.

3. Political Debates:

• Example: Politicians or political pundits may selectively reference specific policies or actions of opponents to criticize them while ignoring achievements or positive aspects, creating a one-sided narrative.

4. Personal Relationships:

• Example: During an argument, an individual might recall only instances where their partner behaved negatively, ignoring times when they were supportive, leading to an unfair portrayal of the relationship.

5. Job Interviews:

• Example: A job applicant may focus on specific achievements and experiences that align with the job requirements, downplaying or omitting aspects of their work history that could be perceived as less favorable.

6. Health and Fitness:

• Example: A person advocating for a particular diet or exercise routine might share success stories or before-and-after photos, omitting cases where the approach did not yield the desired results for a more balanced perspective.

7. News Reporting:

• Example: News outlets might selectively cover events or present information in a way that aligns with their editorial stance, potentially excluding crucial details that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the news.

8. Academic Essays:

• Example: When writing an essay, a student may selectively cite sources that support their thesis while neglecting scholarly works that present alternative perspectives, leading to a biased argument.

9. Advertising:

• Example: Advertisers often showcase the positive aspects of a product or service in promotional materials, emphasizing strengths while downplaying or omitting any potential drawbacks or limitations.

10. Personal Biographies:

• Example: When recounting personal experiences, individuals may choose to share stories that highlight their achievements and positive attributes, consciously omitting or minimizing less flattering aspects of their past.

Cherry Picking in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
4. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. 3rd ed., Three Rivers Press, 2017.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
6. Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
8. Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 1999.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Introduction

The causation fallacy in literature manifests when a writer erroneously attributes cause-and-effect relationships between events or characters without adequate evidence or logical support. This fallacy can distort the narrative’s intended meaning, leading to oversimplified conclusions about character motivations or plot developments.

Writers may inadvertently engage in causation fallacy by assuming that sequential occurrences inherently imply causation, neglecting the nuanced complexities that contribute to the story’s unfolding. Detecting and understanding causation fallacies in literature is crucial for readers and critics alike, as it promotes a more nuanced and accurate interpretation of the author’s intended message. Ultimately, recognizing and avoiding causation fallacies enhances the depth and authenticity of literary analysis.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

1. Post Hoc Fallacy in “Macbeth”:
   • Example: Macbeth sees the witches’ prophecies come true and believes that their predictions caused his actions, overlooking his own choices and ambitions.
2. Cum Hoc Fallacy in “Othello”:
   • Example: Othello becomes jealous of Cassio due to Iago’s manipulations, assuming Cassio’s presence with Desdemona is the cause of her perceived infidelity.
3. Ignored Third Variable Fallacy in “Romeo and Juliet”:
   • Example: The deaths of Romeo and Juliet are often attributed to their love, ignoring the feud between their families as a significant third variable contributing to the tragedy.
4. Regression Fallacy in “Hamlet”:
   • Example: After the ghost appears, Hamlet’s erratic behavior is attributed to supernatural influence, ignoring the natural grief and turmoil he experiences after his father’s death.
5. False Analogy in “Julius Caesar”:
   • Example: Brutus believes killing Caesar is akin to preventing the rise of a tyrant, falsely analogizing the situation to justify his actions without considering the complexities of leadership.
6. Cherry Picking in “King Lear”:
   • Example: Lear fixates on Cordelia’s refusal to flatter him, attributing her supposed lack of love as the cause of their strained relationship, while neglecting his own role in the family dynamic.
7. Misleading Causation in “The Tempest”:
   • Example: Prospero uses his magical powers to manipulate events on the island, leading characters to believe that the magical elements directly cause the unfolding events, rather than Prospero’s orchestrated schemes.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Examples

1. Post Hoc Fallacy in “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombia):
   • Example: The character Remedios dies after ascending to the sky, and some characters attribute her death to her ascension, assuming a causal link.
2. Cum Hoc Fallacy in “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov (Russia):
   • Example: Woland, the devil, arrives in Moscow, and chaos ensues. Characters mistakenly associate the devil’s arrival with the ensuing mayhem.
3. Ignored Third Variable Fallacy in “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel (Mexico):
   • Example: Tita’s emotions influence the kitchen and the food she prepares. The narrative sometimes overlooks external factors, such as family dynamics, contributing to the outcomes.
4. Regression Fallacy in “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombia):
   • Example: The Vicario twins kill Santiago Nasar based on a perceived threat to their sister’s honor, assuming this act will restore their family’s honor, overlooking the irreparable consequences.
5. False Analogy in “The Trial” by Franz Kafka (Czech Republic):
   • Example: Josef K. is arrested without being informed of the charges, and he falsely analogizes the legal proceedings to his everyday life, assuming they follow the same logical principles.
6. Cherry Picking in “Blindness” by Jose Saramago (Portugal):
   • Example: In the face of an epidemic of sudden blindness, characters fixate on specific instances of violence, attributing the collapse of social order solely to the loss of sight.
7. Misleading Causation in “Death and the Maiden” by Ariel Dorfman (Chile):
   • Example: Paulina believes that Dr. Miranda is the man who tortured her years ago. Her quest for justice becomes a focal point, misleading characters and readers about the true nature of the past events.
8. Post Hoc Fallacy in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka (Czech Republic):
   • Example: Gregor Samsa wakes up transformed into an insect, and family members attribute his transformation to the stress he faced at work, oversimplifying the situation.
9. Cum Hoc Fallacy in “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami (Japan):
   • Example: Naoko experiences mental health struggles after her boyfriend’s suicide, and characters associate her condition solely with the trauma, overlooking other contributing factors.
10. Regression Fallacy in “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe (Nigeria):
    • Example: The Igbo society undergoes changes with the arrival of the colonialists, and characters like Okonkwo assume that returning to traditional values will restore their former way of life, ignoring irreversible external influences.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Causation Fallacy in Literature
Formalism	Causation fallacies can distort the internal coherence of a literary work, impacting its structure and narrative integrity.
Structuralism	Structuralist analysis may identify how causation fallacies affect the underlying patterns and relationships within a literary text.
Feminist Criticism	Causation fallacies may perpetuate gender stereotypes or oversimplify character motivations, impacting feminist interpretations of literature.
Marxist Criticism	Marxist critics might explore how causation fallacies reflect or reinforce class-based ideologies in literature, influencing character agency and social dynamics.
Postcolonial Criticism	Causation fallacies may contribute to misrepresentations of historical events or cultures in postcolonial literature, influencing the narrative’s ideological impact.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Psychoanalytic perspectives might examine how causation fallacies reveal characters’ subconscious motivations, impacting the psychological depth of literary analysis.
Reader-Response Theory	Reader responses may be influenced by causation fallacies, affecting how readers interpret characters’ actions and relationships within the narrative.

Recognizing and analyzing causation fallacies in literature is essential across various literary theories, as they can impact the interpretation and understanding of characters, plot developments, and overarching themes within a literary work.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Relevant Terms

Fallacy Type	Brief Definition	Example in Literature
Post Hoc Fallacy	Incorrectly assuming causation because one event follows another.	In “Macbeth,” Macbeth believes the witches’ prophecies directly cause his actions.
Cum Hoc Fallacy	Incorrectly associating two events occurring simultaneously as causally related.	In “Othello,” Othello believes Cassio’s presence with Desdemona causes her infidelity.
Ignored Third Variable Fallacy	Overlooking other factors that may influence the observed relationship.	In “Romeo and Juliet,” attributing the tragedy solely to the love between the protagonists.
Regression Fallacy	Assuming a trend will continue without considering natural fluctuations.	In “Hamlet,” attributing Hamlet’s erratic behavior solely to supernatural influence.
False Analogy	Drawing a flawed comparison to justify a conclusion.	In “Julius Caesar,” Brutus falsely analogizes killing Caesar to preventing tyranny.
Cherry Picking	Selectively choosing evidence to support a predetermined conclusion.	In “King Lear,” focusing only on Cordelia’s refusal to flatter, neglecting other dynamics.
Misleading Causation	Creating a false impression that one event directly causes another.	In “The Tempest,” characters assume magical elements directly cause unfolding events.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
4. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. 3rd ed., Three Rivers Press, 2017.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
6. Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
8. Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 1999.

Causation Fallacy: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology/Term

The term “causation fallacy” originates from the Latin word “causa,” meaning cause or reason. In logic and rhetoric, a fallacy refers to faulty reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument. The causation fallacy, also known as the fallacy of false cause or non causa pro causa, occurs when a cause-and-effect relationship is incorrectly assumed between two events without proper evidence or logical connection.

Literal and Conceptual Meanings:

• Literal Meaning:
  • Misattribution: Incorrectly assigning causation between two events.
  • Correlation vs. Causation: Mistaking correlation (a statistical association) for causation (a cause-and-effect relationship).
• Conceptual Meaning:
  • Post Hoc Fallacy: Assuming that because one event follows another, the first caused the second.
  • Cum Hoc Fallacy: Incorrectly associating two events occurring simultaneously as causally related.
  • Ignored Third Variable: Overlooking other factors that may be influencing the observed relationship.
  • Regression Fallacy: Assuming that a trend will continue in the same direction without considering natural fluctuations.

In essence, the causation fallacy underscores the importance of critically examining the evidence and reasoning behind claims of cause-and-effect relationships to avoid logical pitfalls and ensure accurate conclusions.

Causation Fallacy: Definition as a Rhetorical Device

The causation fallacy, as a rhetorical device, involves erroneously attributing a cause-and-effect relationship between two events without sufficient evidence or logical support. It often relies on the assumption that just because one event precedes another, it must be the cause, neglecting other potential factors. This fallacy misleads by oversimplifying complex relationships and can undermine the credibility of an argument or claim.

Causation Fallacy: Types and Examples

Type of Causation Fallacy	Definition	Example
Post Hoc Fallacy (Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc)	Assuming that because one event follows another, the first caused the second.	Example: The rooster crows before sunrise; therefore, the rooster’s crowing causes the sun to rise.
Cum Hoc Fallacy (Correlation Implies Causation)	Incorrectly associating two events occurring simultaneously as causally related.	Example: Ice cream sales and drowning incidents both increase in the summer, so eating ice cream causes drowning.
Ignored Third Variable Fallacy	Overlooking other factors that may be influencing the observed relationship.	Example: A study finds a correlation between increased ice cream sales and sunburns, ignoring sun exposure as the third variable.
Regression Fallacy	Assuming that a trend will continue in the same direction without considering natural fluctuations.	Example: After a winning streak, assuming a sports team will always win without acknowledging variations in performance.

Each type of causation fallacy demonstrates a different way in which the connection between cause and effect is inaccurately established, leading to flawed reasoning and potentially false conclusions.

Causation Fallacy: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Post Hoc Fallacy:
   • Situation: A student wears a lucky charm during exams and scores well.
   • Causation Fallacy: Assuming the lucky charm caused the success without considering other factors like preparation.
2. Cum Hoc Fallacy:
   • Situation: People using umbrellas and an increase in car accidents are observed during a rainy day.
   • Causation Fallacy: Incorrectly concluding that using umbrellas causes car accidents due to their simultaneous occurrence.
3. Ignored Third Variable Fallacy:
   • Situation: Research shows a link between increased ice cream sales and a rise in drowning incidents.
   • Causation Fallacy: Failing to consider the third variable of warm weather, which contributes to both ice cream sales and swimming, leading to more drownings.
4. Regression Fallacy:
   • Situation: A basketball player scores exceptionally well in one game but performs below average in the following games.
   • Causation Fallacy: Assuming the player will consistently perform exceptionally without considering the normal variations in performance.
5. False Analogy:
   • Situation: A successful CEO drops out of college, so dropping out of college is seen as the key to success.
   • Causation Fallacy: Assuming that because one successful person dropped out of college, dropping out is the cause of success.
6. Cherry Picking:
   • Situation: Highlighting a few students who excelled without studying much and claiming that hard work is not necessary for academic success.
   • Causation Fallacy: Cherry picking examples to support the claim that minimal effort leads to success.
7. Misleading Graphs:
   • Situation: Graphs show a correlation between the number of storks in an area and the birth rate.
   • Fallacy: Incorrectly implying that more storks cause higher birth rates, neglecting the common factor of population density.
8. Superstitions:
   • Situation: A person wins a lottery after wearing a specific pair of socks.
   • Fallacy: Believing that the socks caused the win without acknowledging chance.
9. Political Campaigns:
   • Situation: A candidate claims that crime rates increased during their opponent’s term, implying their policies caused the rise.
   • Fallacy: Oversimplifying complex social factors contributing to crime and attributing it solely to the opponent’s policies.
10. Homeopathic Remedies:
    • Situation: Taking a homeopathic remedy and feeling better afterward.
    • Fallacy: Assuming the remedy caused the improvement without considering the body’s natural healing processes or other factors.

Causation Fallacy in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
4. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. 3rd ed., Three Rivers Press, 2017.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
6. Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
8. Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 1999.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Introduction

Causal tunnel vision in literature is a narrative tendency to attribute the unfolding of events to a singular cause, often overshadowing the complexity of interconnected factors. This literary phenomenon mirrors its real-world counterpart, where characters, plots, and outcomes are sometimes simplistically tied to one dominant influence, neglecting the nuanced interplay of various elements. Authors, unintentionally or intentionally, may employ causal tunnel vision to heighten specific themes or messages, but this literary device also risks oversimplification, limiting the depth and authenticity of the narrative’s portrayal of the multifaceted nature of human experiences and relationships.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

Play	Example of Causal Tunnel Vision	Explanation
Macbeth	Macbeth’s Ambition	Macbeth’s descent into tyranny is often solely attributed to his ambition, overlooking the influence of external forces like the witches and his wife, as well as his own internal struggles.
Romeo and Juliet	The Feud Between the Capulets and Montagues	The tragic fate of the young lovers is frequently linked solely to the long-standing feud between their families, neglecting the role of impulsive decisions, societal expectations, and the Friar’s ill-fated interventions.
Othello	Iago’s Manipulation	Othello’s tragic downfall is commonly attributed solely to Iago’s manipulation, overlooking themes of jealousy, racial prejudice, and Othello’s own vulnerabilities as contributing factors to the tragedy.
Hamlet	Hamlet’s Delay in Avenging his Father’s Death	Hamlet’s indecision is often considered the primary cause of the play’s tragic events, overshadowing political intrigue, familial complexities, and Hamlet’s internal struggles with morality and existential doubt.
King Lear	King Lear’s Misjudgment of His Daughters	The tragic outcome in King Lear is frequently ascribed solely to Lear’s misjudgment of his daughters, ignoring the themes of power, betrayal, and the impact of the chaotic political and familial landscape within the play.

In these Shakespearean examples, causal tunnel vision is evident as certain characters or factors are disproportionately emphasized as the sole causes of the unfolding tragedies, thereby simplifying the intricate web of influences at play in these classic works.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Examples

1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia):
   • Example: The Buendía Family’s Fate
   • Explanation: The intricate fate of the Buendía family in Macondo is often attributed solely to a mythical curse. This perspective oversimplifies the novel’s exploration of cyclical history, political turmoil, and the complex relationships within the family, neglecting the broader sociopolitical context.
2. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russia):
   • Example: Raskolnikov’s Crime
   • Explanation: Raskolnikov’s crime and subsequent moral struggle are sometimes seen as the primary focus of the novel. However, Dostoevsky also delves into societal inequalities, the psychological effects of guilt, and the transformative power of redemption, providing a more nuanced narrative.
3. Blindness by José Saramago (Portugal):
   • Example: The Epidemic of Blindness
   • Explanation: The epidemic of sudden blindness in Saramago’s novel is often solely attributed to a physical ailment. This oversimplification neglects the allegorical layers of the narrative, exploring human nature, societal breakdown, and the fragility of civilization.
4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Spain):
   • Example: The Obsession with Julián Carax’s Books
   • Explanation: The characters’ obsession with Julián Carax’s books is sometimes viewed as the sole driving force of the plot. However, Zafón weaves a complex narrative that encompasses historical events, family secrets, and the intertwining destinies of the characters, expanding the scope beyond a singular cause.
5. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Afghanistan):
   • Example: Amir’s Betrayal
   • Explanation: Amir’s betrayal of Hassan is a central theme, often perceived as the primary cause of the novel’s conflicts. However, the story also delves into the impact of war, cultural shifts, and the journey of redemption, providing a more comprehensive exploration of Afghan society.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature
Formalism	Formalists may analyze how causal tunnel vision affects the structure of a narrative. The focus on a singular cause can influence the plot’s coherence and contribute to the development of themes within the text.
Marxist Criticism	Marxist critics might examine causal tunnel vision as a reflection of societal power structures. Simplifying complex issues to a single cause may mask deeper social inequalities or highlight class struggles within the narrative.
Feminist Criticism	Feminist theorists may explore how causal tunnel vision can perpetuate gender stereotypes. Oversimplifying character motivations or societal issues may overlook the nuanced roles of gender and limit the representation of diverse perspectives.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic perspectives might analyze how causal tunnel vision reflects characters’ internal conflicts. A singular focus on a cause may indicate repressed desires, unresolved traumas, or the characters’ subconscious motivations shaping the narrative.
Postcolonial Criticism	Postcolonial critics may examine how causal tunnel vision simplifies the complexities of colonial history. Oversimplifying the causes of conflicts may perpetuate colonial narratives and overlook the impact of imperialism on diverse cultures.
Reader-Response Theory	Reader-response theorists may investigate how causal tunnel vision shapes readers’ interpretations. Focusing on a single cause could elicit specific emotional responses, and understanding varied reader reactions helps explore the subjective nature of literary meaning.
Structuralism	Structuralists might analyze how causal tunnel vision contributes to narrative patterns. The emphasis on a singular cause could be seen as a recurring element in the underlying structure of the text, influencing the way events unfold within the narrative.

These are just a few examples, and literary theories often overlap in their analyses of texts. The relevance of causal tunnel vision in literature can be multifaceted, providing a rich field for exploration across various critical lenses.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition/Usage
Reductionism	Simplifying complex phenomena to a single cause, a common aspect of causal tunnel vision.
Oversimplification	Presenting a complex issue or narrative in an excessively simple or reductionist manner.
Selective Emphasis	Emphasizing specific aspects or causes while neglecting others, contributing to tunnel vision.
Linear Causality	Assuming a direct, one-to-one relationship between cause and effect, overlooking interconnected factors.
Monocausal Explanation	Providing an explanation that attributes an event or outcome to a single cause, ignoring other influences.
Deterministic Thinking	Believing that a singular cause inevitably leads to a particular effect, ignoring other possible outcomes.
Causation Fallacy	Assuming that correlation implies causation, a common error in causal tunnel vision.
Simplistic Reasoning	Using overly simple or straightforward logic to explain complex situations, characteristic of tunnel vision.
Narrow Perspective	Limiting the viewpoint to a singular cause, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Single-Cause Thesis	Formulating a thesis or argument that revolves around a solitary cause, disregarding multifaceted influences.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
4. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. 3rd ed., Three Rivers Press, 2017.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
6. Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
8. Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 1999.

Causal Tunnel Vision: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology/Term:

The term “Causal Tunnel Vision” arises from the fusion of “causal,” pertaining to cause and effect, and “tunnel vision,” a metaphor for narrow, limited focus. It encapsulates a cognitive bias wherein individuals overly concentrate on one specific cause, often overlooking alternative factors that could contribute to an outcome or event.

Literal Meaning:

• Narrow Focus: Refers to the act of excessively fixating on a single cause or factor.
• Omission of Alternatives: Implies a failure to consider or acknowledge other potential contributors to an event or outcome.
• Simplification of Complexity: Describes the tendency to reduce a multifaceted situation to a singular cause, neglecting the intricacies involved.

Conceptual Meaning:

• Analytical Limitation: Reflects the limitations of a person’s analytical approach when examining causation.
• Risk of Misinterpretation: Suggests the potential for misunderstandings or misinterpretations due to an oversimplified causal perspective.
• Impacts Decision-Making: Highlights how this cognitive bias can impact decision-making processes by not accounting for the full range of influencing factors.

Understanding “Causal Tunnel Vision” is crucial for fostering a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective when analyzing cause-and-effect relationships in various contexts.

Causal Tunnel Vision: Definition as a Rhetorical Device

Causal Tunnel Vision, as a rhetorical device, involves the narrow and exclusive focus on a single cause while neglecting alternative factors that may contribute to an event or outcome. It simplifies complex situations by attributing them to a singular cause, potentially leading to an oversimplified understanding. This rhetorical strategy can impact persuasion by directing attention away from the broader context and limiting the audience’s consideration of multiple influencing factors.

Causal Tunnel Vision: Types and Examples

Type of Causal Tunnel Vision	Description	Example
Single-Cause Fallacy	Attributing an event or outcome solely to one factor, disregarding other potential contributors.	Claiming that a company’s success is solely due to its marketing strategy, ignoring the impact of product quality and customer satisfaction.
Ignorance of Cumulative Causes	Overlooking the cumulative effect of multiple causes, focusing only on isolated factors.	Blaming an individual’s health issues on a single bad habit while disregarding the collective impact of diet, lifestyle, and genetics.
Temporal Tunnel Vision	Associating causation based solely on temporal sequence, assuming that what comes first causes what comes later.	Arguing that a team’s success is due to a recent change in leadership, ignoring other ongoing efforts that contributed over time.
Selective Historical Focus	Emphasizing a particular historical event as the primary cause, neglecting the broader historical context.	Attributing a political conflict solely to recent events without considering historical tensions and geopolitical factors.
Confirmation Bias Causation	Cherry-picking evidence that supports a preferred cause while ignoring conflicting data.	Arguing that a specific policy caused economic growth by selectively presenting positive indicators and ignoring negative economic factors.

Causal Tunnel Vision manifests in various forms, each exemplifying a tendency to oversimplify causation by fixating on specific elements while neglecting the complexity of contributing factors.

Causal Tunnel Vision: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Health and Wellness:
   • Dietary Focus: Some individuals blame weight gain solely on carbohydrates, often overlooking the impact of overall lifestyle choices and lack of exercise.
   • Single Factor Fitness: There’s a tendency to believe that engaging in a specific exercise or workout is the only key to physical fitness, neglecting the importance of rest, hydration, and other contributing factors.
2. Academic Performance:
   • Teacher Blaming: It’s common to attribute a student’s academic struggles solely to a particular teacher, sometimes neglecting to consider study habits, time management, or personal challenges.
   • Single Subject Focus: Some people assume that success in one academic subject guarantees success in all areas, without recognizing the need for a well-rounded education.
3. Relationships:
   • Communication Issues: Relationship conflicts are often attributed entirely to poor communication, with little consideration given to individual differences, expectations, or external stressors.
   • Work-Life Imbalance: Relationship troubles may be associated solely with work stress, overlooking other potential factors like personal issues or breakdowns in communication.
4. Economic Situations:
   • Single Policy Focus: Economic problems are sometimes attributed solely to government policies, ignoring global economic trends, technological changes, or cultural shifts.
   • Business Blame: Financial struggles of a company might be blamed solely on a single decision or product, neglecting market competition and industry trends.
5. Traffic and Transportation:
   • Road Construction: Traffic is often blamed solely on road construction, with little consideration given to factors like population growth, urban planning, and public transportation availability.
   • Weather Excuse: Transportation delays are sometimes attributed only to weather conditions, overlooking factors like maintenance issues or accidents.
6. Crime and Safety:
   • Police Focus: Crime rates are occasionally attributed solely to the effectiveness of the police force, without considering social and economic factors, education, and community programs.
   • Media Influence: Crime is sometimes blamed solely on media exposure, disregarding factors like socioeconomic conditions, mental health, and community support.
7. Technology and Innovation:
   • Technological Determinism: Some individuals assume that a single technology is the sole cause of societal changes, neglecting the role of cultural shifts, policy changes, and other innovations.
   • Innovation Ignorance: A lack of innovation is sometimes attributed solely to a single factor, such as funding, without considering the role of collaboration, education, and regulatory frameworks.
8. Environmental Issues:
   • Carbon Emission Focus: Climate change is often associated solely with carbon emissions, overlooking deforestation, pollution, and other ecological factors.
   • Single Industry Blame: Environmental degradation is sometimes blamed solely on a specific industry, without considering consumer behavior and overall consumption patterns.

Recognizing and addressing causal tunnel vision is crucial for developing a more comprehensive understanding of complex situations.

Causal Tunnel Vision in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Translated by George A. Kennedy, Oxford UP, 2007.
2. Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
4. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. 3rd ed., Three Rivers Press, 2017.
5. Lanham, Richard A. A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 1991.
6. Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiewicz, and Keith Walters. Everything’s an Argument with Readings. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
8. Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 1999.