Logical fallacies EXPOSED! #2 The anecdotal fallacy

Many people use logical fallacies in arguments. This is particularly common on social media. In this video, Dr Susan Oliver and Cindy the dog will be discussing the anecdotal fallacy. The anecdotal fallacy occurs when people use their limited personal experience to make sweeping conclusions or to dismiss statistical findings. If you see anyone using this fallacy, please share this video with them.

Logical fallacies playlist:

Links to data:

What are the effects of smoking and tobacco?

Smokers’ accounts on the health risks of smoking: Why is smoking not dangerous for me?

Sorry Antivaxxer

[Backtothescience]

Hope you enjoyed the video. Please let me know if you've ever inadvertently committed this fallacy.

[francessimmonds]

I don’t think you’re annoying at all. It makes me smile the way you introduce yourself. I can do quite a good impersonation of you 😊

[johnnyllooddte]

i, and 1000s, find you and cindy quite adorable and enjoyable.. who could possibly find you annoying??
you make us smile and challenge our minds..
be blessed
doc johnny

[dharmacharinipasadanandi]

You're an excellent scientist and a very clear communicator, and I really enjoy all your posts. I am sorry for the loss of your dear Father, I hope your memories of him are a comfort to you... Thanks Dr Oliver for standing up for the science, and for putting your head above the parapet.. dont take the negative personal comments to heart! Love from UK

[NanasWorms]

My condolences for the death of your father earlier this year. Thank you for continuing to spread worthwhile information in such a clear manner.
~ Sandra

[vtbn]

Any day that there's a Dr Susan Oliver video is a good day! Thanks once again for a very informative video. Condolences for the loss of your dad, it's never an easy thing to accept.

[DrMarkHShapiro]

Thank you Dr. Oliver for another excellent video. I was sorry to learn about your father's passing. I took a course in logic to satisfy a philosophy requirement when I was an undergraduate at the University of California in Berkeley and enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for the refresher.

[Lily-Bravo]

Oh dear, Dr Susan, you have had a tough year.

[garliclovers]

Oh no. I got here before Rab J. I will have to come back later for the repartee.
Great video Doctor Oliver. You never fail to give me a laugh. You should have 100, 000 views on every video. I was sad to hear about your Dad.

[markstuckey]

Thanks, once again.
Your father must have been so proud of you.

[wendy]

Thanks for another great video Drs Susan and Cindy. I love your presentation style and always learn something new or see something from a new perspective.

[beachfly]

Powerful point Dr Oliver, thankyou 👌🏻💛👏🏻

[firmbutton]

Loved it, perfect example given too. Sorry for your loss. Shared.

[AW___]

Dr Susan, sometimes it is the hardness in the hearts of people that determines which way they go. I used to work for the largest oncology Pharma company, and witnessed many colleagues who smoked like chimneys despite knowing the dangers. So they knew the science mentally but chose to ignore it anyway. 😢

[loopydoopy]

I'm sure we all do this from time to time! Great video - but also sorry for your loss.
I also listen to the Sceptics Guide to the Universe pod where Prof Steve Novella often describes fallacies - I can never remember all the names for the different kinds out there. So many ways for our minds to trip up. Thanks!

[vincewhite]

My smoking dad lived to 96, but I never use that to smoke.

[Lily-Bravo]

Yes I have. And I am not sure whether it has always been inadvertent! If someone is offering anecdotes one way, I will offer counter anecdotes. I will try not to from now on!

[snazhound]

I can accept one giving a personal opinion albiet wrong, but attacking you personally is rather rude and uncalled for. Personally I enjoy your enthusiasm and professionalism. You always work to show the science and relevant personal and professional experiences. Keep up the good work and make sure that you take care of Cindy. Cheers from Canada.

An addendum, both of my parents smoked and both had serious health problems related to smoking, especially my Father. My Father died just before he was 60 with a host of problems including severe CODP which cascaded the problems. Just like your father, he are missed. If both had quit smoking whatever number of years earlier, statistically they would have had longer and healthier lives. The numbers talk.

[angelapowell]

You've captured this very well anecdotal info not science, look forward to the next topic 💐

[nijjijjion]

Do my favourites... Strawman and red herring fallacies! Strawman arguments seems to be brought up in EVERY online argument because people never want to debate the point you make as they know they are in the wrong, or just not knowledgeable about the subject as they thought they are.