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Position:Home>Philosophy> What is the formal name for this fallacy?Question: What is the formal name for this fallacy!? It's been 47 years since I studied formal logic, and I cannot seem to find a textbook that approaches it in just the same way!. We started with the classic A, I, E, and O propositions, and analyzed syllogisms!. For example, the most basic syllogism is MaP, SaM, SaP!. (All cats have tails, Tabby is a cat, therefor Tabby has a tail!.) What is the proper name for the fallacy MaP, SaP, SaM!? (All cats have tails, Tabby has a tail, therefor Tabby is a cat!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: If I remember correctly, it is the Fallacy of The Undistributed Middle Term!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Yes, the syllogism commits the fallacy of undistributed middle!. All cats are animals that have tails!. All animals identical to Tabby are animals that have tails!. So, All animals identical to Tabby are cats!. The form is AAA-2!. The middle term is 'animals that have tails', and it is not distributed in either occurrence!. Www@QuestionHome@Com I've seen this called the fallacy of affirming the consequent!. I've also seen it called "The Converse Error"Www@QuestionHome@Com It is the undistributed middle, see sourceWww@QuestionHome@Com |