User:DRosenbach/Suburu

Favorite current example of an invalid argument
Subaru commercials assert that there are more Subarus sold in New York than in any other state, and they go on to state, "that's why, in our opinion, Subaru is the official car of New York." This faulty logic probably impresses the weak-minded, but a careful analysis reveals a striking invalidity.

Let's assume, as a given, that first premise is in fact true -- that more Subarus are sold in New York State than in any other state. This makes a claim about Subaru sales in New York relative to those in other states, such as New Jersey or Alabama, but does not make any claims about comparative automotive sales within New York.

The advertisement then makes an invalid argument, concluding that, because the majority of Subarus are sold in New York, New York has a great afinity for Subarus. In reality, though, the aforementioned sales claim asserts only that the majority of Subarus are sold in New York; this is very different from Subarus being the most bought car in New York. This latter claim, if it were made (and true) could possibly be used to substantiate Subaru's claim to be the official car of New York -- but this is not the claim.