#25 - Occultist: The issue of whether astrology is a science

[Jeff Wren]

Hi Capetowner,

Part to whole flaw, also known as an error of composition, is when an argument assumes that what is true of part of a group or entity must be true of the entire group or entity.

Here's a basic example of this flaw.

This football team has the best quarterback in the league, so they must be the best team in the league.

In this question, the fact that astrology has scientific components (using knowledge of math and astronomy) does not prove that astrology itself as a whole can be considered a science.

[Capetowner]

Hi Capetowner,

Part to whole flaw, also known as an error of composition, is when an argument assumes that what is true of part of a group or entity must be true of the entire group or entity.

Here's a basic example of this flaw.

This football team has the best quarterback in the league, so they must be the best team in the league.

In this question, the fact that astrology has scientific components (using knowledge of math and astronomy) does not prove that astrology itself as a whole can be considered a science.

Would you say the flaw is one of sufficiency and necessity in that it infers a part of Y being X automatically leads to the whole of Y being X?