What Does ‘Non Sequitur’ Mean?

What Is a Non Sequitur?

A non sequitur is a response or follow-up statement that doesn’t logically follow the previous statement. Basically, a non sequitur is a conversational or logical leap that makes little to no sense in context. If someone says something completely random, it might be a non sequitur.

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The Origin of the Phrase

The phrase “non sequitur” is a Latin word that literally means “it does not follow.” Non sequiturs were popularized in the 16th century as a logical fallacy. However, over time the definition expanded to include non sequiturs as a rhetorical device. Historically, non sequiturs have been found in a variety of contexts, including conversations, literary works, mathematics, movies, arguments, and more.

Examples of Non Sequiturs

Let’s explore some examples of non sequiturs to learn more:

Non Sequiturs in Everyday Conversation

Imagine you’re discussing the weather with a friend and commenting on how you hope it doesn’t rain, when your friend responds with the statement “I love Italian food.” Your friend’s reply about Italian food is a non sequitur because it has no logical connection to the topic at hand.

Non Sequiturs in Literature and Media

• Literature. In Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the narrative often jumps to absurd and unrelated conclusions to make readers laugh.
• Media. Various works coming out of the absurdist movement of the 1950s feature non sequiturs. One such work is “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” a show where dialogue ends or transitions using non sequiturs for comedic relief.
• Advertising. Ads often use non sequiturs to grab the audience’s attention and make their product memorable. For example, think of a commercial for a product that uses imagery and dialogue that isn’t related to the product itself.

These examples highlight how non sequiturs can be used intentionally for humor, satire, or artistic expression, creating unexpected twists that engage the readers or listeners.

Non Sequiturs in Logical Arguments

In a debate or logical argument, non sequiturs can sometimes be considered logical fallacies. Using a non sequitur in an argument involves skipping over key steps to make a statement that doesn’t follow the previous statement’s logic.

For example, claiming that someone should buy a car because they like coffee is a non sequitur; the preference for coffee has no logical bearing on the decision to purchase a vehicle. In general, using non sequiturs during a debate can undermine your credibility or the argument’s validity.

Recognizing non sequiturs in arguments and public discourse can enhance our media literacy and help us think critically about the content we’re consuming. Understanding the use of non sequiturs in literature or conversation can enhance our ability to communicate effectively and appreciate the nuances of language and thought.