Fallacy of Exclusion
Definition:
Relevant evidence which would undermine an inductive argument is excluded from consideration. The requirement that all relevant information be included is called the "principle of total evidence".
Examples:
(i) Ross Perot is over 60 years old. Most people over 60 years old make make less than $45,000/year therefore Ross Perot probably makes less than $45,000/year. (This ignores the fact that he owns billions of dollars worth of stock and other profit-making property.)
(ii) The Jets will probably win this game because they've won nine out of their last ten. (Eight of their wins came over last place teams, and today they are playing the first place team.)
Proof:
Give the missing evidence and show that it is relevant to the outcome of the inductive argument. Note that it is not sufficient simply to show that not all of the evidence was included; it must be shown that the missing evidence is relevant to the conclusion.
References:
Davis: 115
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