Just Because Fallacy
The Just Because Fallacy occurs when a person refuses to provide reasons or evidence for a claim, instead appealing to their own authority by saying phrases like 'because I said so' or 'just trust me'. This fallacy undermines productive argumentation and fails to address the question at hand.
THE IDEA
Just Because Fallacy
(also known as: trust me, mother knows best fallacy, because I said so, you’ll see)
Description: Refusing to give reasons or evidence for a claim and presenting oneself as the ultimate authority. Common phrases include “just trust me”, “because I said so”, “you’ll see”, or “just because”. These responses can close a discussion without helping the other person understand the position. “Just because” does not supply evidence for the claim.
Logical Form: A claim is questioned. The speaker asks the listener to accept it on the speaker’s authority without giving a relevant reason.
Example #1: A parent refuses a sleepover and offers only “Because I said so”. Possible reasons include wanting the child to get enough sleep or finding the visit disruptive. The response leaves those reasons unstated.
Example #2: A salesperson, Slick Rick, asks a prospect to accept a claimed lowest price without explaining it. The refusal leaves the claim unsupported; it does not establish what the salesperson’s hidden reason is or whether a lower price is available.
Exception: Giving a command is different from arguing for its merits. A parent may have authority to set a rule even without debating it. A partner planning a surprise might use “you’ll see” to postpone an explanation without intending to prove a claim.
Tip: When you reach for “just because”, ask yourself, “what is the real reason?” The answer could uncover an issue that needs your attention.
When to use it
A parent explaining a rule to a child without providing reasoning, leading to resentment or confusion.
A manager giving an order to an employee without justification, undermining team morale.
A politician deflecting a policy question with 'just trust me', eroding public trust.
A friend refusing to explain a decision, causing frustration in the relationship.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Sleepover Denial
A parent tells their child 'Because I said so' when asked why a friend cannot sleep over, avoiding the real reason (e.g., headache, early bedtime, or annoyance with the friend).
Car Deal
A salesperson responds 'Just trust me' when asked whether a price is the lowest available. That response provides no support for the pricing claim, though it does not by itself show that the salesperson could go lower.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a time when you used a 'just because' excuse? What was the real reason you avoided giving?
How might using 'because I said so' affect someone's trust in you or your authority?
In what situations is it acceptable to say 'you'll see' without providing reasons, and when is it harmful to the discussion?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies