The UFOs argument
The UFOs argument discusses the concept of the existential fallacy, which occurs when a conclusion implies the existence of something that was not implied by the premises.
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Category: Fallacie – ragionamenti errati
The Existential Fallacy
“It is a curious feature of logic that statements which refer to the whole of a class do not actually tell us whether there are any members of that class.” Madsen Pirie This sentence introduces the principle of logic according to which statements that refer to the whole of a class, known as universal statements, do not necessarily provide information about the existence or non-existence of members of that class. For example, the statement “All dogs are mammals” is a universal statement that refers to the class of dogs and the class of mammals. While this statement tells us that
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How to win every argument
In ‘How to win every argument, The use and abuse of logic’, Madsen Pirie provides a comprehensive guide to winning arguments and debating effectively. The book is divided into three main sections: ‘The Art of Argument’, ‘The Tactics of Argument’, and ‘The Strategy of Argument’, each of which focuses on different aspects of the argumentation process. From the fundamental principles of logical thinking to practical tips on how to respond to counterarguments and anticipate your opponent’s perspective, this book covers a wide range of topics that are essential for effective argumentation. Whether you are a seasoned debater or just starting out, this book has something to offer for everyone.
Continue readingArgumentum ad temperantiam. La fallacia del giusto mezzo.
In “medio stat virtus” è una lama a due tagli. Cercherò di dirvi perché affermo ciò. Da un lato si può intendere come riferita alla temperanza delle passioni, stile di vita, ecc. Ma dall’altro si riferisce alla verità, al ragionamento corretto. Allora, iniziamo dal nome della fallacia: Argumentum ad temperantiam. Questo ragionamento fa appello a un presupposto istinto comune secondo cui tutto è bene se fatto [detto, preso, bevuto,ecc.] secondo moderazione. Dove sta l’errore di questo argomento? Se mi riferisco al desiderio, si capisce intuitivamente una certa qualità positiva nell’uso della moderazione. Se bevi in eccesso, se fai sesso in
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