Guilt by association

Extracted Attributes

• Latin name

  argumentum ad odium

• Also known as

  Association fallacy, Appeal to spite

• Inverse concept

  Honor by association

• Logical Category

  Formal fallacy

• Field of application

  Logic, Rhetoric, Law, Psychology

• Formal logic notation

  (∃x ∈ S : φ(x)) ⇒ (∀x ∈ S : φ(x))

Timeline

• The Salem Witch Trials in colonial Massachusetts use associations with accused individuals as evidence for witchcraft. (Source: PsychoTricks)

  1692-01-01

• Jeffrey Epstein enters a controversial nonprosecution agreement, which later becomes a focal point for guilt by association claims. (Source: Document 7f81c1c7-1e8b-40e7-a538-3ea6083eee78)

  2007-01-01

• BetterHelp updates its educational resources regarding the psychological dangers and definitions of the association fallacy. (Source: BetterHelp)

  2026-01-28

Association fallacy

The association fallacy is a formal fallacy that asserts that properties of one thing must also be properties of another thing if both things belong to the same group. For example, a fallacious arguer may claim that "bears are animals, and bears are dangerous; therefore your dog, which is also an animal, must be dangerous." When it is an attempt to win favor by exploiting the audience's preexisting spite or disdain for something else, it is called guilt by association or an appeal to spite (Latin: argumentum ad odium). Guilt by association can be a component of ad hominem arguments which attack the speaker rather than addressing the claims, but they are a distinct class of fallacious argument, and both are able to exist independently of the other.

Web Search Results

• Guilt by Association - Definition, Examples, Cases, Processes

  ## Honor by Association Honor by association is exactly what it sounds like: the complete opposite of guilt by association. In the case of honor by association, a person believes that an individual must be reputable because of the company he keeps, or because of the support he receives. A classic example of honor by association is a celebrity endorsement of a particular product. People who admire the celebrity believe the product is also worthwhile because surely that celebrity would not put his name behind a faulty or dangerous product. ## Examples of Guilt by Association What follows are some more guilt by association examples to help better illustrate the concept. [...] ## Honor by Association Honor by association is exactly what it sounds like: the complete opposite of guilt by association. In the case of honor by association, a person believes that an individual must be reputable because of the company he keeps, or because of the support he receives. A classic example of honor by association is a celebrity endorsement of a particular product. People who admire the celebrity believe the product is also worthwhile because surely that celebrity would not put his name behind a faulty or dangerous product. ## Examples of Guilt by Association What follows are some more guilt by association examples to help better illustrate the concept. [...] ## Honor by Association Honor by association is exactly what it sounds like: the complete opposite of guilt by association. In the case of honor by association, a person believes that an individual must be reputable because of the company he keeps, or because of the support he receives. A classic example of honor by association is a celebrity endorsement of a particular product. People who admire the celebrity believe the product is also worthwhile because surely that celebrity would not put his name behind a faulty or dangerous product. ## Examples of Guilt by Association What follows are some more guilt by association examples to help better illustrate the concept.

• Understanding Guilt By Association | BetterHelp

  ## What is arguing by association? Arguing by association is arguing that something must be true because it is associated with something else that is true. It can be used to argue guilt by association. ## What does “by association” mean? “By association” means that one thing is connected to another by something they have in common. ## Is guilty by association a logical fallacy? Yes, guilt by association is a logical fallacy that the properties of one thing must apply to another if they belong to the same group. For example, if all of the members of a terrorist organization belong to a particular religion, it is a logical fallacy to assume that all members of that religion are also all terrorists. [...] # Understanding Guilt By Association Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC Updated January 28th, 2026by BetterHelp Editorial Team Feeling guilty by association, also known to many as the “association fallacy,” can be defined as guilt that can be ascribed to someone not because of any evidence, but because of their association with an offender. More often than not, this term can be used in a legal context, but sometimes it can also be used casually. In this particular context, an individual can face criticism or backlash as a result of their likeness to an existing group or entity. Conversely, honor by association can describe a situation where someone might be lauded as a result of their affiliation with groups that are perceived in a positive light. [...] ## What is an example of guilty by association for kids? Guilt by association can be applied to any group, but with kids, it is usually used in association with school groups or siblings. For example, say three siblings are making their way through school. The first cheats on tests and doesn’t pay attention in class. Two years later, the middle sibling enters school, cheats on tests, and doesn’t pay attention in class. Two years after that, the third sibling entered school. The teachers might assume they will cheat on tests and not pay attention in class, even if they get perfect grades and pay attention in school. They may have this opinion even if they have never met the child, just because the first two siblings behaved the way they did all the time.

• Understanding the Dangers of Guilt by Association - PsychoTricks

  ## Case Studies Throughout history, guilt by association has played a significant role in shaping societal attitudes and influencing the course of events. One of the most infamous examples of guilt by association is the Salem Witch Trials, which took place in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century. Accusations of witchcraft were often based on tenuous evidence, such as association with individuals who were already accused or the possession of unusual objects. As the trials progressed, a climate of fear and hysteria developed, leading to the arrest and execution of innocent individuals. [...] ## Societal Impact Guilt by association can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, groups, and society as a whole. In the legal realm, guilt by association can lead to unfair treatment and wrongful convictions. Individuals may be subjected to harsher sentences or denied bail based on their perceived associations with criminal elements. This can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families, as well as for the integrity of the justice system. [...] Skip to content Never miss our best posts. Subscribe Now! PsychoTricks All about psychological mind tricks Posted inManipulation Tactics # The Perils of Prejudice: Understanding the Dangers of Guilt by Association Posted by Denys A No Comments Guilt by association, a practice of inferring an individual’s character or actions based solely on their relationships or affiliations, has been a pervasive force throughout history. This insidious practice, rooted in cognitive biases and societal pressures, can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, groups, and society as a whole.

• Guilty By Association in Colorado: Know Your Rights

  In legal terms, “guilty by association” refers to the notion that a person can be considered guilty of a crime merely because they associate with someone who has committed that crime. This concept can be particularly troubling because it implies guilt based on proximity rather than actual participation in criminal activity. If you’ve been accused of guilt by association in Colorado, it’s essential to understand your rights and legal options. Being associated with someone who has committed a crime does not automatically make you guilty, but it can still have serious repercussions. Depending on the circumstances, you may face scrutiny from law enforcement, damage to your reputation, and even criminal charges. [...] 1. Socializing with Known Criminals: If you regularly associate with individuals who have a criminal record or are involved in illegal activities, you may be viewed with suspicion by law enforcement. 2. Being Present at a Crime Scene: Simply being in the vicinity of a crime when it occurs can lead to accusations of guilt by association, even if you had no involvement in the illegal activity. 3. Using Shared Resources: If you share living quarters, vehicles, or financial resources with someone who is involved in criminal behavior, you could be implicated by association.

• Association fallacy

  Guilt by association can sometimes also be a type of ad hominem, if the argument attacks a person because of the similarity between the views of someone making an argument and other proponents of the argument. ## Variations [edit] [...] When it is an attempt to win favor by exploiting the audience's preexisting spite or disdain for something else, it is called guilt by association or an appeal to spite (Latin: argumentum ad odium). Guilt by association can be a component of ad hominem arguments which attack the speaker rather than addressing the claims, but they are a distinct class of fallacious argument, and both are able to exist independently of the other. ## Formal version [edit] Using the language of set theory, the formal fallacy can be written as follows: Premise : A is in set S1 Premise : A is in set S2 Premise : B is also in set S2 Conclusion : Therefore, B is in set S1. In the notation of first-order logic, this type of fallacy can be expressed as (∃x ∈ S : φ(x)) ⇒ (∀x ∈ S : φ(x)). [...] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Formal fallacy "Guilt by association" redirects here. For other uses, see Guilt by Association "Guilt by Association (disambiguation)"). "Appeal to spite" redirects here. For appeals to spite based on the origins of an argument, see Genetic fallacy. For the informal fallacy that applies a rule beyond its scope, see Accident (fallacy) "Accident (fallacy)"). The association fallacy is a formal fallacy that asserts that properties of one thing must also be properties of another thing if both things belong to the same group. For example, a fallacious arguer may claim that "bears are animals, and bears are dangerous; therefore your dog, which is also an animal, must be dangerous."