fallacy

Genetic fallacy

Also called: Fallacy of origins

The genetic fallacy judges a claim by where it came from rather than by its merits.

How it works

An idea's origin, whether a disliked person, a historical context or an unusual source, is used to accept or reject it. Origin can be a clue about reliability, but it does not settle whether the claim is true.

Examples

"That study was funded by an industry group, so its findings are false."

Funding is a reason to check the methods carefully, not proof that the results are wrong.

"This tradition started for superstitious reasons, so it has no value today."

A practice can have present-day value regardless of how it began.

How to spot it

The argument is about where an idea came from, not what it says.
Source is used as a verdict rather than a reason to look closer.
The claim itself is never examined.

How to respond

Grant that the source may justify extra scrutiny, then examine the claim.
Ask what is wrong with the evidence itself.
Look for independent confirmation.