Hasty Generalization By: Maddie Blackford

Definition A “hasty generalization" is a broad claim based on too-limited evidence.

Examples “Even though it’s only the first day, I can tell this is going to be a boring course.”

Example I Hasty Generalization Mrs. Putnam Mrs. Putnam.“She ails as she must-she never waked this morning, but her eyes open and she walks, and hears naught, sees naught, and cannot eat. Her soul is taken surely.”(ACT One p. 172) Mrs. Putnam concludes that since her daughter is behaving unusually, her soul must have been taken.

Example II Hasty Generalization Hale and Francis Hale. “How is Rebecca charged, Mr. Nurse?” Francis. (with a mocking laugh, half-hearted laugh). For murder, she’s charged! (Mockingly quoting the warrant) “For the marvelous and supernatural murder of Goody Putnam’s babies.” What am I to do Mr. Hale? (Act Two p. 201) IV. The characters conclude that if Rebecca is practicing witchcraft, she must be responsible for the death of Goody Putnam’s babies.

Sources Marie, Ali. "Logic Me This: Hasty Generalization." Teenskepchick.org. Teen Skepchick, 13 June 2011. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. Nordquist, Richard. "Hasty Generalization (Logical Fallacy)." Http://grammar.about.com. About Education. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. Weber, Ryan. "Logical Fallacies." Https://owl.english.purdue.edu/. Online Writing Lab, 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. Miller, Arthur. “The Crucible.”The Language of Literature 11. Dallas: McDougal Littell, 2000.