The West Wing (TV Series)
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (1999)
John Spencer: Leo McGarry
Quotes
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President Josiah Bartlet : 27 lawyers in the room. Anybody know "Post hoc, ergo propter hoc"? Josh?
Josh Lyman : Uh, uh, "post" - after, after hoc, "ergo" - therefore, "After hoc, therefore" something else hoc.
President Josiah Bartlet : Thank you. Next?
Josh Lyman : Well, if I had gotten more credit on the 443...
President Josiah Bartlet : Leo?
Leo McGarry : "After it therefore because of it."
President Josiah Bartlet : "After it therefore because of it." It means one thing follows the other, therefore it was caused by the other. But it's not always true. In fact, it's hardly ever true.