8 - Informal Fallacies - Ambiguity Flashcards
What are fallacies of ambiguity?
Fallacies of ambiguity are mistakes in arguments that happen when words or phrases have more than one meaning, causing confusion.
Example: “I saw a bat in the park!” Did they see a baseball bat or an animal?
What is equivocation?
Equivocation is a fallacy where a word or phrase with multiple meanings changes meaning in the middle of an argument, making the argument confusing.
Example: “I’m going to the bank.” Are they going to the side of a river or to a place that holds money?
What is amphibology?
Amphibology is a fallacy where a sentence is structured in a way that can have multiple meanings, leading to a misunderstanding.
Example: “I saw the man with the telescope.” Who had the telescope, the person speaking or the man they saw?
What is the fallacy of accent?
The fallacy of accent happens when the meaning of a sentence changes depending on which word is emphasized.
Example: “I love to eat vegetables!” Emphasizing different words changes the meaning.
What is the fallacy of significance?
The fallacy of significance happens when a word or phrase has different meanings depending on the context, leading to a misunderstanding.
Example: “My dad is a big fan of the Giants!” Does that mean he likes a sports team or really tall people?
What is a distinction without a difference?
A distinction without a difference is a fallacy where someone tries to make a difference between two things that are actually the same.
Example: “I’m not taking your toy, I’m just borrowing it for a very long time!”
What is the prestige jargon fallacy?
The prestige jargon fallacy is using complex language to confuse people and make them think an argument is better than it is.
Example: Using big and complicated words to sound smart without saying anything important.
How can you spot fallacies of ambiguity?
To spot fallacies of ambiguity, look for:
* Words or phrases with multiple meanings.
* Sentences that can be interpreted in different ways.
* Arguments that change the meaning of words in the middle.
* People using complex language to sound smart but not actually making a clear point.
Why is it important to avoid fallacies of ambiguity?
Fallacies of ambiguity can make arguments confusing and misleading. By recognizing and avoiding these fallacies, you can have clearer communication and better understand the truth!
What are some ways to avoid fallacies of ambiguity in your own arguments?
To avoid fallacies of ambiguity:
* Define your terms clearly.
* Use precise language.
* Be aware of the different meanings of words.
* Make sure your sentences have only one clear interpretation.
* Avoid using complex language just to impress people.
What is an example of equivocation in a news headline?
This is equivocation! The word “make” has two different meanings, which can lead to confusion.
Example: A headline that says, “Kids make nutritious snacks.” Does it mean kids are making snacks, or are they the snacks themselves?
What is an example of equivocation in a philosophical argument?
This is a fallacy! It’s like saying, “If it’s raining, the ground is wet. The ground is wet, therefore it’s raining.”
Example: “If God exists, then miracles are possible. Miracles are possible, therefore God exists.”
How can equivocation be used in advertising?
This is equivocation, as the phrase “made with” can be misleading.
Example: An ad that says, “Our burgers are made with 100% pure beef.”
What is an example of amphibology in a news headline?
This is amphibology! The sentence structure is unclear and can have multiple meanings.
Example: A headline that says, “Two sisters reunited after 18 years at checkout counter.”
How can amphibology be used in advertising?
This is amphibology, as the sentence structure is misleading.
Example: An ad that says, “You can only get this product here!”
