Which of the following best illustrates the fallacy of composition?
A)If I stand up at a baseball game I will be able to see the game better; if all fans stood up at a baseball game they would all be able to see the game better.
B)If I wore a jacket to a baseball game in October, I would be warmer; if all fans wore jackets they would all be warmer.
C)If I purchase fewer concessions at a baseball game, I will save money; if all fans purchase fewer concessions then all can save money.
D)If I yell more during a baseball game it will be louder if all fans yell more during the game it will be much louder.

Question

Which of the following best illustrates the fallacy of composition?
A)​If I stand up at a baseball game I will be able to see the game better; if all fans stood up at a baseball game they would all be able to see the game better.
B)​If I wore a jacket to a baseball game in October, I would be warmer; if all fans wore jackets they would all be warmer.
C)​If I purchase fewer concessions at a baseball game, I will save money; if all fans purchase fewer concessions then all can save money.
D)​If I yell more during a baseball game it will be louder if all fans yell more during the game it will be much louder.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fallacy of composition is assuming that what is true for an individual will also be true when applied to a group. In choice A, the idea that if one person stands up, they see better, but if everyone stands up, the benefit does not scale up and everyone's view does not improve similarly, illustrates this fallacy. Choices B, C, and D do not illustrate the fallacy of composition because the outcomes scale up with the number of participants.

Which of the Following Best Illustrates the Fallacy of Composition