fallacy of composition

noun

, Logic.

1. the fallacy of inferring that a property of parts or members of a whole is also a property of the whole ( fallacy of division ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of fallacy of composition¹

First recorded in 1670–75

Example Sentences

Lawrence H. Summers, the former treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton and an economic adviser to President Obama, makes the point more broadly, arguing that one key to successful policy making is to avoid the so-called fallacy of composition, in which what hurts or helps one actor does not necessarily produce the same effect when everyone does it.

From New York Times

Mr Sanders’ plans tend to suffer from a fallacy of composition.

From Economist

What we are witnessing is economic policy based on the fallacy of composition.

From Forbes

Thus, in this case, the logic of the micro does not extend to the macro and believing otherwise is a fallacy of composition.

From Forbes

It’s the fallacy of composition.

From Forbes