Question:
Consider the following argument:
My brother is a real pig. You should see him eat! If he is a pig, then he is not human.
So he is not human.
Which one of the following evaluations about the argument is true?
Consider the following argument:
My brother is a real pig. You should see him eat! If he is a pig, then he is not human.
So he is not human.
Which one of the following evaluations about the argument is true?
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The {fallacy of equivocation} occurs when a word is used with more than one meaning in an argument, leading to a misleading or invalid conclusion.
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- The argument is an example of modus ponens and commits no informal fallacy
- The argument commits the informal fallacy of equivocation
- The argument commits the formal fallacy of affirming the consequent
- The argument is an example of modus tollens and commits no formal fallacies
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify the structure of the argument.
The argument goes as follows:
Step 2: Detect the fallacy.
The word “pig” is used in two different senses:
Step 3: Why it’s not a formal fallacy.
This is not an error in the logical form (like affirming the consequent or denying the antecedent), but in the usage of language—specifically, switching meanings mid-argument.
The argument goes as follows:
- Premise 1: My brother is a real pig. (used metaphorically to criticize his eating habits)
- Premise 2: If he is a pig, then he is not human. (used literally, referring to the animal pig)
- Conclusion: So, he is not human.
Step 2: Detect the fallacy.
The word “pig” is used in two different senses:
- First, metaphorically (to suggest gluttony or messiness).
- Second, literally (an actual non-human animal).
Step 3: Why it’s not a formal fallacy.
This is not an error in the logical form (like affirming the consequent or denying the antecedent), but in the usage of language—specifically, switching meanings mid-argument.
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