Non-sequitur

A Non-sequitur is a statement, phrase, or idea that doesn't logically follow from the previous one. It's a conclusion that doesn't connect to the premises or a response that is irrelevant to the initial comment or question. This logical fallacy disrupts the flow of reasoning, often creating confusion or highlighting a lack of coherence in an argument. The disconnected nature of a Non-sequitur can range from subtle shifts in topic to jarring, seemingly random remarks, undermining the clarity and validity of the overall communication.

Non-sequitur meaning with examples

• She said, 'The sky is blue.' Her friend replied, 'I love ice cream!' This is a clear non-sequitur; the friend's statement doesn't logically follow from the observation about the sky. The connection is absent, making the response unrelated and somewhat perplexing. The jarring lack of connection underscores the essence of a non-sequitur.
• During a debate on climate change, a speaker abruptly stated, 'My dog just learned a new trick!' This is a Non-sequitur because the comment is unrelated to the topic. The shift is so sudden and unconnected to climate change that it derails the conversation and distracts the audience. This showcases the disruption a Non-sequitur causes.
• The question was, 'What are your plans for the weekend?' The answer was, 'Elephants can remember things for a long time.' This is a non-sequitur. The answer doesn't directly answer the question. This creates a lack of continuity in the conversation, making it hard to follow.
• In a discussion about the economy, a person interjected, 'Have you seen the new Star Wars movie?' This is a Non-sequitur because it brings in a topic that's completely irrelevant to economic analysis. The switch of subject is an unrelated idea to the current topic, causing diversion.
• After someone mentioned they're working on a new book, another person said, 'It rained heavily yesterday.' The statement does not link to writing the book. This Non-sequitur creates a gap in the conversation that creates discontinuity, because there is no clear relationship between the concepts.