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Informal logical fallacy
- Equivocation is an informal logical fallacy, which means the error lies in the content of the argument and not the structure. Because the meaning of the ambiguous word changes halfway through the argument, the conclusion does not logically follow from the premise and is thus invalid.
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May 17, 2023 · The equivocation fallacy refers to the use of an ambiguous word or phrase in more than one sense within the same argument. Because this change of meaning happens without warning, it renders the argument invalid or even misleading.
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Jul 18, 2022 · The equivocation fallacy works by relying on a word’s ambiguous meaning or distinct meanings to confuse and withhold information from the reader or listener. How can you identify the equivocation fallacy?
In logic, equivocation ("calling two different things by the same name") is an informal fallacy resulting from the use of a particular word/expression in multiple senses within an argument. It is a type of ambiguity that stems from a phrase having two or more distinct meanings, not from the grammar or structure of the sentence.
The equivocation fallacy is a logical fallacy when a word or phrase is used not in its correct literal sense but in a figurative sense that may be technically true but doesn't logically follow the context.
Sep 10, 2019 · Equivocation is a fallacy by which a specific word or phrase in an argument is used with more than one meaning. It's also known as semantic equivocation. Compare this with the related term of amphiboly, in which the ambiguity is in the grammatical construction of the sentence rather than just a single word or phrase.
The fallacy of equivocation is like a stealthy word game—it’s when a word changes meaning halfway through an argument and makes the logic look sound when it’s not. To steer clear of this trap, always examine words closely and be super sure you use them consistently without shifting their meanings.
The fallacy of equivocation occurs when a key term or phrase in an argument is used in an ambiguous way, with one meaning in one portion of the argument and then another meaning in another portion of the argument.
