By Jason Hreha

Glossary

Fallacy of Composition

Reviewed by Jason Hreha

Published 1 min read

What is the Fallacy of Composition?

The fallacy of composition is assuming, without adequate justification, that a property of parts also belongs to the whole they form. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy distinguishes this from division, which incorrectly moves from the whole to its parts.

An example of the fallacy of composition

For example, every component in a machine can be inexpensive while the complete machine is expensive. Knowing each member's property is not enough: the way the parts combine matters.

Composition vs. generalization

Inferring that all group members share the skill of one observed member is primarily an unsupported generalization. Composition instead concerns the group or system as a whole. Not every inference from parts is fallacious; the question is whether the relevant property transfers under the stated conditions.

The association fallacy concerns judging a claim or person through a connection to something else.