Which fallacy involves claiming that if one action is allowed, it will lead to a chain of negative events?

The concept of a slippery slope fallacy is rooted in the idea that a relatively small first step or action will inevitably lead to a chain of events culminating in significant and often negative consequences. This reasoning is flawed because it assumes a direct causation between the initial action and the subsequent events without providing evidence that such a progression is likely to occur.

For example, if someone argues that allowing students to redo their assignments will lead to a culture of irresponsibility and ultimately to widespread academic failure, they are employing a slippery slope argument. The leap from the initial action (redos) to the extreme outcome (academic failure) lacks substantiation and ignores the possibility of mitigating factors or alternative outcomes.

Recognizing the slippery slope fallacy helps in evaluating the strength of arguments—especially those that invoke fear of consequences without substantial evidence to support the claim of inevitability. This understanding allows for a more critical approach when analyzing arguments in the context of propaganda or persuasive discourse.