defective reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defective reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a flaw or error in logical thinking or argumentation. Example: "The conclusion drawn from the data was based on defective reasoning, leading to an incorrect outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

An expert said she was suffering from delusions and defective reasoning.

BBC

Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Phillip Joseph told the court defective reasoning meant that while Ms Jenkins knew what she was doing, she did not know it was wrong.

BBC

The dark words you used in a state of defective reasoning are not just in your head; they are on record.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Defective clinical reasoning continues to be an important cause of diagnostic error [ 26].

BMC Medical Education

Did we miss any, or do you find our reasoning defective?

TechCrunch

Young found many questions unanswered and some of the reasoning defective, while Davenport-Hines, writing long after the event, condemns the report as disgraceful, slipshod and prurient.

Wikipedia

Reasoning that Pds5 mutations defective in binding Wapl should share with wpl1Δ the ability to suppress eco1, we analyzed the distribution of Wapl-GFP in a variety of Pds5 mutations known to suppress eco1-1 (Rowland et al., 2009).

Cell

The best reasoning that a vicious person is capable of, according to Aristotle, is a defective simulacrum of practical wisdom that he calls "cleverness" (Nicomachean Ethics 1144a25).

SEP

But Mr. Kahn's records show that while Justice Singer agreed with Mr. Kahn's legal reasoning and dismissed a ticket in 2004, he refused last month to dismiss a ticket that Mr. Kahn argued was similarly defective.

The New York Times

The Defective Detectives.

The New York Times

The reasoning?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defective reasoning" to describe a pattern of flawed thinking rather than a one-time mistake. This highlights the consistent nature of the issue and encourages a deeper examination of the underlying causes.

Common error

Avoid using "defective reasoning" excessively in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise terms like "logical fallacy" or "cognitive bias" to demonstrate expertise and provide a deeper analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defective reasoning" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "defective" modifies the noun "reasoning". It describes a state or quality of reasoning being flawed or impaired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defective reasoning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe flawed or faulty logic. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, the phrase appears in various contexts, particularly news and science, indicating a neutral register. To enhance clarity and precision, consider alternatives such as "flawed reasoning" or "faulty logic", and always specify the exact nature of the flaw when criticizing someone's reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faulty logic

Emphasizes the flawed structure or principles behind the reasoning.

flawed rationale

Focuses on the underlying justification being unsound.

unsound judgment

Highlights the poor decision-making resulting from the flawed thinking.

fallacious reasoning

Identifies the presence of logical fallacies in the reasoning process.

erroneous deduction

Points to an incorrect conclusion drawn from available information.

specious logic

Indicates that the logic appears correct but is actually misleading.

invalid reasoning

States that the reasoning process does not follow proper rules of inference.

illogical thinking

Highlights the absence of logic in the thought process.

biased reasoning

Focuses on the presence of prejudice or partiality in the reasoning.

irrational thought

Emphasizes the lack of reason or sound judgment.

FAQs

What does "defective reasoning" mean?

"Defective reasoning" refers to a flaw or error in the way someone thinks or argues, leading to incorrect or unsound conclusions. It implies that there is a problem with the logical process itself.

How can I identify "defective reasoning" in an argument?

Look for logical fallacies, unsupported claims, biased evidence, and inconsistencies in the argument. If the reasoning doesn't follow a clear and logical path to the conclusion, it may be considered defective. Also verify the source is trustable.

What are some alternatives to saying "defective reasoning"?

You can use alternatives like "flawed reasoning", "faulty logic", or "unsound judgment", depending on the specific context and the nature of the flaw.

Is "defective reasoning" the same as "cognitive bias"?

While both involve errors in thinking, "defective reasoning" is a broader term that encompasses any flaw in logic, while "cognitive bias" refers to systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. Cognitive biases can certainly lead to defective reasoning.