mistaken reasoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mistaken reasoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a line of thought or argument that is based on incorrect assumptions or logic. Example: "The conclusion he reached was based on mistaken reasoning, leading to a flawed decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That's a mistaken reasoning which shows the linguists are relying on a model of evolution they trash when they see it written down," Dr. Pagel said.

The New York Times - Science

If campers will just boil, filter or iodine-treat their water, this mistaken reasoning goes, giardia will never be a problem.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Chances are that, if you are reading this paper, you already know this mistaken teleological reasoning well.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Responsible biology teachers will thus address the misconceptions and profile how the reasoning is mistaken.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Or so we argue in Part I. Worse, confusions over rights and powers, when combined with a particular understanding of what constitutes clear-eyed analysis of legal issues, has contributed to the now-widely shared but mistaken supposition that common law reasoning must (or should) take the form of instrumental reasoning.

Harvard University

People are, of course, frequently irrational; they ignore obvious facts or make silly mistakes in reasoning.

The New York Times

Some of the most common mistakes in reasoning are not usually discussed under the heading of fallacies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But as Berlin perceived, when freedom and order break down it is not because of mistakes in reasoning.

The Guardian - Books

Thus, there can be mistakes in reasoning based on a confusion between a de dicto reading and a de re reading.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some so-called fallacies are not mistakes in reasoning but rather illicit rhetorical ploys, such as appeals to pity (traditionally called the fallacy of ad misericordiam), to authority (ad verecundiam), or to popular opinion (ad populum).

Encyclopedia Britannica

We would not charge her with having made some perceptual error or a mistake in reasoning.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mistaken reasoning", ensure the context clearly indicates what the correct or more accurate reasoning should be. This provides a stronger contrast and clarifies the flaw.

Common error

Avoid using "mistaken reasoning" to describe minor disagreements or differences in opinion. Reserve it for situations where the flaw in reasoning is significant and demonstrably leads to a wrong conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mistaken reasoning" functions as a noun phrase, where "mistaken" acts as an adjective modifying "reasoning". It describes a specific type of reasoning that is based on incorrect or flawed logic. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a flawed approach or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mistaken reasoning" is a noun phrase used to identify flawed logic or incorrect assumptions in a line of thought. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears in diverse sources, including academic papers, news articles, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly specify the source of the error and avoid applying it to minor differences of opinion. Alternatives such as "faulty logic" or "erroneous reasoning" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faulty logic

Focuses on the incorrectness of the logical process itself, rather than the overall reasoning.

erroneous reasoning

Highlights the error or inaccuracy present in the reasoning.

flawed reasoning

Emphasizes the presence of defects or imperfections in the reasoning process.

incorrect logic

A more direct and simple way to express the idea of reasoning that is wrong.

unsound reasoning

Suggests that the reasoning is not solid or reliable.

invalid reasoning

Points out that the reasoning does not follow the rules of logic and is therefore not valid.

fallacious reasoning

Specifically refers to reasoning that contains fallacies or deceptive arguments.

misguided thinking

Focuses more on the overall thought process being poorly directed or ill-advised.

defective reasoning

Implies that there is a problem with the way the reasoning process functions.

wrongheaded thinking

Suggests stubborn adherence to an incorrect or foolish line of thought.

FAQs

How can I use "mistaken reasoning" in a sentence?

You can use "mistaken reasoning" to describe a flaw in someone's logic. For example, "The policy was based on "mistaken reasoning" and ultimately failed".

What are some alternatives to "mistaken reasoning"?

Alternatives include "faulty logic", "erroneous reasoning", or "flawed reasoning". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "mistaken reasoning" the same as a fallacy?

While related, they aren't identical. "Mistaken reasoning" is a general term for any flawed thought process. A fallacy is a specific type of error in reasoning, such as ad hominem or straw man.

Can "mistaken reasoning" lead to poor decision-making?

Yes, decisions based on "mistaken reasoning" are likely to be ineffective or even harmful, as they are not grounded in sound logic or accurate information.