What is the 'fallacy of composition'?

The 'fallacy of composition' is accurately described by the idea that what is true for individual parts of a whole is also true for the whole itself. This fallacy arises when someone assumes that characteristics or qualities applicable to individual members of a group or components of a system necessarily apply to the group or system as a whole. For example, if each member of a team is excellent at their respective roles, one might mistakenly conclude that the team as a whole will perform exceptionally as well, ignoring the complexities of team dynamics and interaction.

The reasoning here highlights a critical aspect of logical reasoning and critical thinking; just because individual elements exhibit certain traits does not imply that the collective will share those same traits. Understanding this fallacy is essential for sound argumentation and analysis, as it helps to guard against oversimplified conclusions based on specific instances or characteristics.