Non sequitur ("it does not follow") is a Latin term that simply means that the conclusion doesn't follow from the premise.
Example of a non sequitur
Premises
- Science can’t explain the origin of life
- There are gaps in the fossil record
Conclusions
Different religions come up with different mutually contradictory conclusions based largely on wishful thinking:-
- Therefore evolution is false and God created us as shown in the 1st or 2nd Chapter of Genesis and further Jesus is God’s son.
- Therefore evolution is false and Allah created us as shown in the Koran.
- Therefore evolution is false and the gods/goddesses of our polytheistic religion created us as shown in our sacred texts.
Analysis
- The first premise is correct, science can’t explain yet the origin of life but see Articles on the Origin of Life.
- The second premise is is correct but unimportant, see TalkOrigins on Transitional fossils. Fossilization is a rare process and we will never get a complete record from generation to generation, but evolution is clear without a totally complete record.
- This in no way shows that any one religion or sect has the true explanation for life.
- Further natural explanations for life and its origin are in no way ruled out, science has not found the whole story yet.