Collection 5.1

Meaning Shifts and Equivocation

Fallacies arising from ambiguous or unclear language. Moderate ambiguity because context determines whether language is problematic.

What to Notice

  • Recognize semantic ambiguity
  • Identify syntactic ambiguity
  • Detect meaning shifts
  • Understand composition/division errors

Concepts in This Collection

F055

Equivocation

Using a word or phrase in different senses within the same argument, creating the false appearance of a valid argument.

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4.1 Before and Because6.2 Appeals to Tradition, Nature, and Consequences
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