Definition

The object or event identified as the cause of an effect is a genuine cause, but insignificant when compared to the other causes of that event. It is a special case of Questionable Cause and has the following general form:

• Events e₁ and e₂ causally contributes to event e₃.
• Event e₂ is mentioned as the cause of e₃.

Explanation

This fallacy is committed when there is another more significant cause which contributes to

Note that this fallacy does not apply when all other contributing causes are equally insignificant. Thus, it is not a fallacy to say that you helped cause defeat the Tory government because you voted Reform, for your vote had as much weight as any other vote, and hence is equally a part of the cause.

Examples

Smoking is causing air pollution in Edmonton.
True, but the effect of smoking is insignificant compared to the effect of auto exhaust.

By leaving your oven on overnight you are contributing to global warming.

Counter-examples

None.

Advices

Identify the much more significant cause.