'One problem is in the assumption that because one is feeling better, the treatment therefore worked. This is the post
hoc, ergo propter hoc [after this, therefore because of this] logical fallacy.'
-sciencebasedmedicine.org
I can’t resist a chance to knock
This imbecilic fantasy.
Empiricism is the rock
That underpins society;
Unbiased rationality
Beats sugar pill-based poppycock,
But some prefer the fallacy
Of post hoc, ergo propter hoc.
They snipe at science round the clock;
‘Big Pharma’s a conspiracy!’,
But you don’t have to be John Locke
To poke holes in their theory
That water has a memory.
It doesn’t take a Mr Spock
To spot illogicality
In post hoc, ergo propter hoc.
Why do these clueless ninnies flock
To blast the inefficacy
Of what the chemist has in stock?
It’s total bloody lunacy.
But I suppose they must be free
To do it if I’m free to mock
Placebos and to disagree
With post hoc, ergo propter hoc.
Envoi
Prince Charles, you lend authority
To this extraordinary crock,
But I say give the third degree
To post hoc ergo propter hoc.