post hoc, ergo propter hoc

post hoc, ergo propter hoc (L. “after this, therefore because of this”) denotes the fallacy of confusing sequence with consequence. E.g.: “The Feb. 5 Dispatch editorial linking the major decrease in the number of licensed gun dealers with a minor decrease in homicides illustrates the first fallacy taught in any logic course: post hoc, ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this). The rooster’s crow does not cause the sun to rise.” Letter of Kevin Cantos, “Licensing Unrelated to Drop in Slayings,” Columbus Dispatch, 22 Feb. 1997, at A11.

      Two common usages, since for because (acceptable) and consequent for subsequent (unacceptable), exemplify the fallacy: they originated when speakers
and writers confused causality with temporality.