Difference between revisions of "Ambiguity"
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| − | In an [[ambiguity | + | In an [[ambiguity fallacy]] a [[word]] or [[phrase]] is used uncleanly. There are two ways in which this may occur: |
* The [[word]] or [[phrase]] may be {{Wiki|ambiguous}}, in which case it has more than one {{Wiki|distinct}} meaning. | * The [[word]] or [[phrase]] may be {{Wiki|ambiguous}}, in which case it has more than one {{Wiki|distinct}} meaning. | ||
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The same [[word]] is used with two different meanings. For example: | The same [[word]] is used with two different meanings. For example: | ||
| − | "Criminal [[actions]] are illegal, and all murder trials are criminal | + | "Criminal [[actions]] are illegal, and all murder trials are criminal actions, thus all murder trials are illegal." |
"The sign said 'fine for parking here', and since it was fine, I parked there." | "The sign said 'fine for parking here', and since it was fine, I parked there." | ||
Revision as of 17:04, 29 May 2014
In an ambiguity fallacy a word or phrase is used uncleanly. There are two ways in which this may occur:
- The word or phrase may be ambiguous, in which case it has more than one distinct meaning.
- The word or phrase may be vague, in which case it has no distinct meaning.
Equivocation
The same word is used with two different meanings. For example:
"Criminal actions are illegal, and all murder trials are criminal actions, thus all murder trials are illegal."
"The sign said 'fine for parking here', and since it was fine, I parked there."
