Fallacious Reasoning
A common conception of Snape is that he is very logical, deducing Harry's actions and being very aware of his environment. Yet some of his arguments are not sound; and while we see that many of them are true, they are not logically sound. There is a difference.
One should see the significance of this trait in Snape. Though he appears to be perfect and logical, for he deals in a very logical subject (Potions), he is human and he does make mistakes. I think having him treat such reasoning as sound reinforces the paradoxical tendencies of his character, and reveals a state that betrays a more emotional response to the environment that conflicts with the outer persona of being completely distant emotionally from the world.
Also realize how his tendency to make false arguments makes Snape an ironic character. He, who deals in teaching logic (in the form of Potions), only pretends to utilize the same qualities he values in those who master his subject. And while he plays at having a rational mind, and while he creates distance by removing emotion from his perceptions and his ways of dealing with the world, we see that the mask is not complete. He too is under the power of emotions [see how he still remembers and reacts to his 'worst memory']. He reveals his slavery to emotions through the use of fallacious arguments.
The following is only a partial list of some of his fallacious reasoning in the books, followed by examples from the books. It is assumed that one is familiar enough with the novels to place the quotes in their proper contexts. I will add more as they are pointed out to me (in emails) or as I find them myself. Any further examples or comments email me at [email protected]
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Error in Logic |
Example |
Explanations |
| False Analogy: Comparing two things that are not necessarily the same | "How extraordinarily like your father you are, Potter," Snape said suddenly, his eye glinting. "He too was exceedingly arrogant." (PoA) | Snape compares Harry to his father. And while Harry has many of his father's traits, they are not the same person. |
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Argumentum ad Ignoratum: Something must be true because there is no reason to disprove it. |
"Can anyone confirm that?" (PoA). |
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Argumentum ad Bacculum: "Appeal to Force". Threatens listener if conclusion not accepted. |
--"Or you might find my hand slips"--he shook the crystal bottle slightly--"right over your evening pumpkin juice. And then, Potter... then we'll find out whether you've been in my office or not."(GoF). --"Now get out of the way or I will make you."(PoA). |
Snape is determined to have others see his side that he dispenses with appealing to the mind and appeals to force. |
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Post Hoc: "False Cause". Cause - effect relationship established because two events follow in time. |
Snape's argument in Goblet of Fire: 'You stole boomslang in 2nd year. I had gillyweed in my cabinet. It is gone. Therefore, you stole it.' (GoF). | As many people who use Post Hoc, I think that Snape is influence by his general mistrust of Potter to make his argument. I do not think he even knows his argument is not sound. |
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Equivocation: Using the same word in two different senses. |
"YOU DON'T KNOW POTTER! HE DID IT -- I KNOW HE DID IT --!"(PoA). |
Two definitions of 'know' --one meaning 'to be acquainted with or familiar with '[as in he's acquainted with Potter's habits] and one meaning -- 'to have understanding or certainty; to be sure' [as in he is certain Potter did it]. |
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Red Herring: Diverting attention from real issues by going off on extraneous issues not relevant. |
--"What have you done with the car?" (after talking about them not arriving on the the train).(CoS). |
These are, at the moments they are introduced, apparent Red Herring to those in the immediate conversation. Yet we find out these are very relevant questions that raise plot points. |
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Argumentum ad Misericordiam: Appeals to emotion of pity. |
"Sirius Black showed he was capable of murder at the age of sixteen," he breathed. "Your haven't forgotten that, Headmaster? You haven't forgotten that he once tried to kill me?"(PoA). | I believe this is the only time Snape appeals to some sort of pity. Still, the goal of the statement is to persuade by including his personal harm. |
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Hasty Generalization: Lack of sufficient evidence. |
"HE DIDN'T DISAPPERATE!" Snape roared, now very close by. "YOU CAN'T APPERATE OR DISAPPERATE INSIDE THIS CASTLE! THIS -- HAS -- SOMETHING -- TO -- DO -- WITH -- POTTER!"(PoA). | Oddly enough, these assumptions are made without evidence, but are correct. This happens many times with assumptions Snape makes. |
Just out of curiosity, I will give 5 brownie points to whomever can name what country's flag the colors form. There are a few answers. And no cheating.