Exception fallacy

The exception fallacy is when you use one or two unusual people or cases to say something about everyone. Outstanding or rare examples don't establish a general rule. For most people, the rule still holds—the exception is just that, an exception. Using it to argue that the rule doesn't matter is misleading. Related: Survivorship bias.

Examples

• Einstein did badly at school and became a genius, so doing badly at school doesn't matter.

• Bill Gates dropped out of college and became rich, so you don't need a degree.

• One patient survived without treatment, so we don't need to treat this condition.

• She never trained and won the race, so training isn't necessary.