| Fallacy | Existential fallacy |
|---|---|
| Definition and Examples | an argument has two universal premises and a particular conclusion, but the premises do not establish the truth of the conclusion, because the subject may not exist. Ex: "Every unicorn definitely has a horn on its forehead" Ex: "Every unicorn definitely has a horn on its forehead". It does not imply that there are any unicorns at all in the world, and thus it cannot be assumed that, if the statement is true, somewhere there is a unicorn in the world (with a horn on its forehead). The statement, if assumed true, only implies that if there were any unicorns, each would definitely have a horn on its forehead." Ex: "You're my favorite nephew. In fact, you're my only nephew. |
Tags: fallacies, logic
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